World Cup 2022: Why is it problematic?
Whilst millions will be supporting their teams during the Qatar World Cup for reasons that go beyond football as a sport, the question of whether supporters should boycott the event remains.
Between controversy and calls for a boycott, the World Cup opens in the most-tense context that a sporting event has known in decades. The Lusail Stadium, the 80,000-seat venue that will host the FIFA World Cup final from November 2022. Source: AFP. https://www.lemonde.fr/football/article/2022/11/17/qatar-2022-la-coupe-du-monde-des-exces_6150228_1616938.html
From the Beijing Winter Olympics controversies to the banning of Russian athletes from international competitions earlier this year, sporting events have never been as political as in 2022. One event, however, crystallizes the most heated debates: the Qatar Football World, which will run until December 18th 2022.
For the last couple of weeks – and the next two – the world has had its eyes laid on Doha, the capital of Qatar.
The 22nd World Cup promises to be historical, many have said. But this might not only be because the event is taking place in the Arab world for the first time in FIFA history.
Qatar is known for being one of the world’s fourth-richest countries, as well as its disastrous situation in regard of human rights. The country has been pinned in particular for its denial of women and LGBTA rights.
In the UK, supporters’ opinions are mixed. Some have strong opinions about it, such as Jia Wei Lee, 26, who identify themselves as non-binary.
They said: “I’m definitely not going to watch the World Cup.
If FIFA could choose another country which is more LGBT friendly, then I definitely would watch it.”
Others have been torn between their love for football and considering the ethical downside of watching the World Cup.
Sam Ledgerwood, a 31-year-old gay man from Wales, said:
“Football has been a massive part of my life, even being an LGBTQ+ person, there are definitely issues there, but I can’t see myself not watching it,” said Sam.
“I’m definitely going to be watching it.
There’s definitely a bit of conflict there, but it’s been a part of my life since I was five years old so it’s really hard to juggle the two.”
NGOs have also denounced Qatar for exploiting foreign workers – often from India, or Nepal – who have died by thousands on the construction sites.
The country has reportedly invested lavish sums of money to equip itself with stadiums, hotels, transport and security to welcome the sports event.
A protester during the Champions League match, on November 2, 2022, in Copenhagen. Source: Getty Images. https://www.lemonde.fr/sport/article/2022/11/14/mondial-2022-au-qatar-des-polemiques-a-geographie-variable_6149710_3242.html
One thing is sure, however. Qatar’s money may buy the World Cup, but not a new reputation.
And it is clearly apparent as the country went as far as inviting foreign supporters – all expenses paid – to travel and watch the matches and ensure stadiums are being filled up.
