Today at 6pm: Macron returns to Qatar for love of sport, despite criticism

French president Emmanuel Macron gestures during the World Cup semifinal soccer match between France and Morocco at the Al Bayt Stadium in Al Khor, Qatar, on Dec. 14, 2022.

French President Emmanuel Macron is about to jet off to Qatar for the second time in a week, despite broad concerns about the emirate's human rights and environmental record. Why? Because France is in the World Cup final, and Macron really is a big soccer fan - as well as a prominent advocate of the longstanding partnership between the two countries.

A video broadcast after France's victory over Morocco in the semifinal showed an enthusiastic Macron mingling with French players in the dressing room on Wednesday evening at the Doha stadium, applauding to the sound of the "Freed from desire" music hit that has become the team's victory hymn.