Former Emir of Qatar Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani has died aged 74, the BBC has confirmed

Long-serving Emir

Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani has died aged 74. In a statement, the palace announced his death overnight, citing a long illness. He ruled Qatar for nearly two decades, transforming the country into a global gas-rich power. According to the BBC, he took power in 1996 after a bloodless coup against his father, Sheikh Khalifa bin Hamad Al Thani. Since then, he has overseen the country's major transformation, turning Qatar into one of the world's leading gas suppliers.

World Cup legacy

However, his most notable legacy lies in his involvement with the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. The tournament, which concluded just a few days ago, has been marred by controversy and human rights concerns. Despite these issues, the Emir's contribution to the event's success is undeniable. His vision for a world-class infrastructure helped make the tournament a reality.

England's World Cup hopes brighten

Meanwhile, in other sports news, Jude Bellingham doubled down on his efforts for England during the FIFA World Cup group stages on Tuesday, sending his team into the semi-finals. The young player showed his skills against a tough Italian opponent. His teammates celebrated his double, as they now move forward with renewed hopes of a World Cup title. As Qatar mourns the loss of its beloved Emir, fans around the world are eagerly awaiting the final match of the tournament on July 15.