Qatar: The Most Controversial World Cup Host
As per sources, Qatar paid off more than $3 Million to FIFA officials as a bribe, to get hold of the FIFA's hosting entitlement.
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The upcoming FIFA World Cup is set to become the 22nd edition of the FIFA Men’s World Cup. Over the decades, 17 countries have hosted the prestigious event, yet never been as controversial as Qatar.
Since being awarded the hosting rights by FIFA in 2010, the host nation has been widely criticized by football lovers around the globe.
Not only ordinary people, but even players and FIFA officials are unsatisfied with the decision to let Qatar host the world’s biggest sporting event. Recently, the former FIFA President, Sepp Blatter, said he regretted letting Qatar host the event, stating that the verdict was a mistake.
Likewise, one of the greatest full-backs of all time, Philipp Lahm too, has boycotted the World Cup as a sign of protest against the human rights violation that took place to make the event a success.
As per sources, Qatar paid off more than $3 Million to FIFA officials as a bribe, to get hold of the event’s hosting entitlement. Nevertheless, the accusation was waived after an investigation.
Apart from these, there are more reasons why this World Cup is causing disputes and #BoycottQatar2022 is on trend.
1.Deaths of laborers
Around 6500 laborers have lost their lives during the construction of eight World Cup stadiums in Qatar.
Most of the victims have been migrant workers from South Asian developing countries such as India, Pakistan, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh.
Although the estimation of the death toll rate goes much higher, the host nation has claimed only 37 deaths during the process. This inhumane treatment of workers has widely grabbed the attention of human rights activists.
2.The size of the nation
The total area of Qatar is 11,571 km2, which is a significantly low area to be able to entertain a tournament of such a high caliber.
All the previous host nations have had a larger area, due to which the competitions had no obstacles. There are concerns that the infrastructure in Qatar cannot withstand a huge number of football supporters from around the globe, which can go up to 1.2 million.
Under such circumstances, the visitors might have to look for accommodations in neighboring territories, such as Dubai, making the experience both expensive, and lengthy.
3.Soaring temperature
It is a known fact that the temperature in Qatar can go up as high as 500C.
Although the temperature during November and December usually ranges between 250C to 300C, the players from European nations might still find it difficult to play in such scenarios.
Although FIFA has allowed ‘water breaks’ during the game, such breaks kill the momentum of the play. Since football is a highly intense game, any sort of heat can turn out to be fatal.
4.Rigid laws
Since Qatar is an orthodox society, the visitors must abide by the rules set out by the state. While in the country, the fans need to respect Muslim cultures and traditions.
The supporters are prohibited from drinking in the public, except for some places specified by the government. Similarly, Budweiser beers will be available only at certain spots in the stadium.
Visitors are also requested to not show any forms of physical intimacy in the public, and not to wear highly revealing outfits, as a sign of respect to the Muslim society.
As Qatar does not allow homosexuality, performing such sexual acts is strictly banned. Nevertheless, people belonging to any gender are welcome in the nation.
5.Tight schedules for players
Hundreds of players participating in the World Cup are actively involved in various football leagues around the world. Although the World Cup usually takes place in the summer, its first winter fixtures have caused a lot of problems for the players participating.
The individuals involved in European leagues such as the English Premier League, UEFA Europa League, and LaLiga Santander, along with many more only have a week for preparation before the tournament kicks in.
Many stars are also set to miss the event due to injuries, because of a very little recovery period. Only a week's preparation for the world’s biggest sporting arena is absolutely ridiculous.