DOHA: No sign is in sight of an end to the World Cup stand-off between Qatar and critics of its labour system writes KEIR RADNEDGE.

Media in the Gulf state has reported that its government advisory council has rejected several articles in a draft law concerning the exit, entry and residence of foreign workers.

International trade unions and critics of the initial World Cup award to Qatar will doubtless use the decision to refuel criticism though this may have the contrary effect of provoking internal defiance against outside attempts to exert pressure on the state.

Last autumn Wolfgang Niersbach, president of the German football federation and now a member of the executive committee of world federation FIFA, proposed that Qatar be set a deadline to enact law changes.

The local Supreme Committee preparing the way for the first finals in the Middle East has insisted that its own contracts insist on worker condition standards far higher than generally in operation.

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