There is a lot of controversy surrounding Qatar’s hosting of the FIFA World Cup in 2022. Many people have raised concerns about various aspects of the tournament and the country itself. Here are some of the main reasons why there is so much controversy with Qatar:
1. Human rights violations: Qatar has faced significant criticism for its treatment of migrant workers, who make up a large portion of the country’s labor force. There have been reports of poor working and living conditions, exploitation, and even deaths of these workers. Human rights groups have called on Qatar to improve the situation and ensure better rights and protections for these workers.
2. Limited football history: Qatar doesn’t have a strong footballing tradition or a successful national team. This has led to questions about their ability to host a successful tournament and the legitimacy of their bid to begin with. Critics argue that other countries with a more established football culture should have been chosen instead.
3. High expected cost: The estimated cost of hosting the World Cup in Qatar is incredibly high, with some reports suggesting it could be the most expensive tournament in history. This has raised concerns about the financial burden on Qatar and the potential for the costs to outweigh the benefits.
4. Local climate: Qatar’s climate poses challenges for hosting a summer tournament. The extreme heat during the summer months, when the World Cup is traditionally held, has led to concerns for the health and safety of players and fans. To address this, FIFA decided to move the tournament to winter for the first time, disrupting the football calendar and causing scheduling complications for leagues around the world.
5. Alleged bribery in the bidding process: There have been allegations of corruption and bribery surrounding the bidding process for the 2022 World Cup. Investigations were launched into the bidding process, and several high-ranking FIFA officials were indicted on corruption charges. These allegations have cast a shadow over the legitimacy of Qatar’s bid and raised questions about the fairness of the selection process.
It’s important to note that not all nations competing in the World Cup have put a strong focus on these concerns. Some countries and football associations have chosen to prioritize the sporting aspect of the tournament and the excitement of participating in a global event, while others have been more vocal in raising their objections and calling for change. The controversy surrounding Qatar’s hosting of the World Cup is a complex issue with a multitude of factors contributing to the ongoing debate.