Dec. 3: Qataris wave the national flag as they celebrate in Doha a day after the world football's governing body FIFA announced that the tiny Gulf state will host the 2022 World Cup. (AP)
DOHA, Qatar – A prominent Islamic scholar says he is overjoyed that Qatar defeated the United States to host the 2022 World Cup.
Sheik Youssef al-Qaradawi told worshippers in Doha that he was "filled with joy" after soccer's governing body FIFA selected Qatar on Thursday over the U.S. and three other bidders.
Al-Qaradawi's Friday sermon was quoted in Qatar newspapers Saturday.
The cleric says Qatar humbled the United States, which he claims seeks to dominate every aspect of world affairs. Al-Qaradawi is considered a moderate and co-founded the popular IslamOnline website.
President Barack Obama said Qatar's selection was the "wrong decision."
But Arab leaders call it a groundbreaking move that will change perceptions of the Middle East.
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