Qatar 2022 World Cup; Boycott and Support
The 2022 Qatar World Cup, which starts on November 21 and ends on December 18, is about to kick off amid a series of controversies and protests.
First of all, I have to say that I will only be interested in the on-field side of football and will watch the matches without participating in the boycott.
The awarding of the 2022 World Cup to Qatar caused some controversy and an investigation.
The most important factor that led to the controversy and investigation was that the awarding of the organization to Qatar was the result of a series of bribes, but Qatar was cleared after the investigations.
Logically, I can believe this because Qatar is not a football country, nor has it ever been a football country! It is one of the richest countries in the world, with a difficult geography, and it is very unlikely that it would be able to get such a big organization through easy and normal means.
Whether he gave bribes or not, we won't know for sure and as a football fan I'm not interested in that, but I think the critics should focus on the giver as much as the receiver.
Another reason for the boycott is the death of around 6500 migrant workers during the construction of the stadiums in Qatar. As far as I know, Qatar does not confirm this number. It is said that the dead migrant workers were from countries like India, Nepal, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Pakistan.
I don't know how much the figures reflect the truth, but many deaths occur in many underdeveloped countries due to the lack of necessary precautions. No country stops buying products that are produced, extracted or transported on the grounds of such deaths.
I think this should be more of a political decision, a decision to be taken by some monitoring organizations and should not affect football.
Another reason is that the climatic conditions are not favorable. Yes, the climatic conditions are not the same everywhere in the world... but the love for soccer is. In June and July, when the World Cup matches are played, the temperature will be 40+ degrees, while in November and December it will average 25 degrees.
As far as I know, Qatar offered to play the matches in the summer months in stadiums cooled by giant air conditioners, but the offer was rejected and November and December were chosen. These are the months when the European Leagues are in full swing... but world football is not all about Europe! In June and July, some other countries' leagues were suspended.
Another reason for the boycott is the human rights violations in Qatar. The backwardness in human rights, especially women's rights, and the fact that women are denied the rights granted to men, and women are deprived of most of their rights without being accompanied by a man, are the problems not only of Qatar but also of almost all Middle Eastern countries. It is quite meaningful that those who have been exchanging with these countries for years and ignoring human rights violations bring this up in an organization where football should be at the forefront.
Human rights issues need to be improved through various pressures, but to put pressure only through football is not sincere.
Qatar is not a football country, it has never participated in the World Cup... so they should not have been given the organization... blah blah blah...
One of FIFA's missions is to spread football to all countries of the world. Instead of giving the organization to countries that have already organized the World Cup, it would be more appropriate to give it to countries that have never given it before. I hope that Qatar's organization will be a start and an example for UEFA.
One of the reasons for the boycott is that ticket and accommodation prices are too high. According to a statement, 97% of the tickets are sold out!
The municipality of Paris has decided not to broadcast the matches on giant screens because of the boycott!
Denmark will take the field with simplified uniforms because of its human rights record!
Fans of some German and French clubs have called for a boycott, protesting against the organization and the break in the Bundesliga!
In light of these and other boycotts, the World Cup is about to begin. Qatar can end the event on a high note, or there can be many setbacks. This is entirely up to the organizing country and the authorities. Whether it succeeds or fails will be evaluated during and after the organization.
As a football fan, I support the Qatar 2022 World Cup organization instead of boycotting it. Although the idea that FIFA is a universal institution and should treat all parts of the world equally is contrary to some circles, especially in Europe, it is a must for the future of football.
Football is beautiful on the field and off the field, it should not be a tool or serve dirty ambitions such as politics. Dirty hands off clean football!
I wish success to all the participating teams and a good time to all football fans!
6500 deaths? That's shocking if it is true.