Qatar has been surrounded by world cup 2022 controversies since it was selected to host the 2022 World Cup. Qatar’s human rights record, stance on same-sex couples, and treatment of migrant labor have all been the subject of widespread criticism. Conditions on the field in Qatar are also less than ideal.
Furthermore, the Middle East is notoriously humid, making it an unpleasant environment for professional players. How Qatar, a country of 3 million people with no football heritage, won a secret vote to become host remains a mystery.
This article delves further into the many debates regarding the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. Although the tournament is expected to go on as scheduled, the controversy surrounding it will be spoken about for years to come.
As of November 18, the world’s biggest athletic event will officially begin. The decision for Qatar to host the World Cup in 2022 was made in 2010. It was historic that Qatar was chosen to host the FIFA World Cup because it was the first country in the Middle East to do so.
Human Rights Issues
The treatment of employees hired to develop the infrastructure for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar was a hot topic of discussion. Reports and some eyewitnesses indicate that the Qatari government has used the ‘Kafala System’ to enslave many employees to construct the necessary infrastructure for the huge event.
The migrant workers hired to construct the World Cup’s stadiums and infrastructure have been tormented. Reports suggest a high number of deaths and horrendously low living standards for migrant workers.
Since Qatar won the bid to host the 2022 World Cup, around 400 Nepalese migrant workers have died while working on construction projects there, according to reports in The Observer. Qatar 2022 has released a charter supposedly guaranteeing the safety of its workers, but it is unlikely that the situation will change much, and the damage is likely already done.
Boycott Campaign
Many teams, former athletes, and current footballers are trying to boycott World Cup 2022 because of human rights issues and LGBTQ issues.
There were calls for boycotts from Norwegian players, teams, and Danish fans. In light of the “alarming number of deaths” and “modern-day slavery” allegations, Norway called for a boycott of the 2022 World Cup.
However, the plan was ultimately rejected by soccer authorities in participating countries. Denmark made their stripped-down World Cup jersey in a show of displeasure with the tournament’s location in Qatar. To show their disapproval, the citizens of the United Kingdom and nine other European countries will be donning “One Love” wristbands.
Banners were unveiled by fans of German clubs Borussia Dortmund, Bayern Munich, and Hertha Berlin, all participating in the World Cup, demanding that the tournament be moved from Qatar.
Former players have been vocal in their criticism of the powers that be, including Philipp Lahm.
LGBTQ Banned
Many people wonder if being gay is against the law in Qatar. In Qatar, being gay is against the law. According to Qatari Constitution, a person who is found guilty can face a fine and/or imprisonment for up to seven years.
Numerous countries are worried about the treatment of the hundreds of thousands of tourists visiting Qatar in preparation for the FIFA World Cup. Officials in Qatar have declared they have no plans to amend their country’s laws towards the LGBT population, but they have also promised that no foreign fans will be treated unfairly during the event.
Extreme Heat Issues
FIFA investigated the consequences of the extreme heat in Qatar. The climate in the Middle East is notoriously humid, which creates an unfavorable atmosphere for players at the top level.
It is anticipated that the monthly mean temperature will be higher than usual during November due to the event’s timing. Temperatures often reach their highest point at 29 degrees Celsius (85 degrees Fahrenheit) in the middle of November, dropping significantly in December. Even so, weather forecasts that call for temperatures of up to 105 degrees Fahrenheit is scary because of the risk of heat stroke.
Infrastructure
To be expected, given the lack of history for football in this country, there is no actual infrastructure here that can handle an event of the magnitude of the World Cup. Interestingly, Lusail City has been chosen to host the final. We can’t visit this city just yet because it doesn’t exist. A new city is being built around 15 kilometers north of Doha for the World Cup.
Some estimates say Qatar will spend around £138 billion (US$220 billion) on the World Cup. This is around sixty times more than South Africa spent on the 2010 FIFA World Cup (approximately $3.5 billion). This is an extremely wasteful use of resources.
North Korea Issues
The North Korean team has lost all its matches in the World Cup qualifying campaign. There are rumors that North Korea punished a few players and the coach because of this. FIFA is now looking at this accusation.
The FIFA Scandal Allegations: What has Come Out So far?
Since 2010, when FIFA awarded Russia and Qatar the rights to host successive World Cups, there have been rumors that money was exchanged for votes for Russia and Qatar to be awarded the rights.
According to the claims, a committee member named Jack Warner had something to do with Qatar’s successful campaign, as he and his family received huge amounts of money.
It is alleged that Qatari billionaire Mohamed bin Hammam, also a representative on FIFA’s 24-person executive committee, attempted to bribe his coworkers on the committee into voting in favor of Qatar by using his power.
Conclusion
There will be plenty of talk about the controversies surrounding the event.
Qatar maintains that the Kafala institution has been partially dismantled, and allegations of human rights abuses are incorrect.
Nasser al Khater, CEO of the tournament, told Sky News that the stated death toll does not reflect the actual situation for construction workers in World Cup locations. Despite World Cup controversies, fans worldwide are hoping for a great tournament.
