On November 20 it was reported that islamist Zakir Naik was invited to FIFA World Cup by Qatar.

Since Zakit Naik is accused of money-laundering and his organisations are banned in India, Qatar was informed Vice President,Jagdeep Dhankar visit would be called off if Doha had extended an invitation to him.

Qatar on November 23 informed through diplomatic channels that it has not invited Naik for FIFA World Cup 2022.

Qatar claimed that deliberate “disinformation” was being spread by third countries to spoil India-Qatar bilateral relations.

Naik has been wanted by Indian authorities since 2016 for alleged money laundering and inciting extremism through hate speeches.

Naik founded Islamic Research Foundation (IRF) is marked as an unlawful association under the UAPA by the Ministry of Home Affairs and is banned for five years.