The 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar has been the source of much controversy since the location was decided upon. A country that offers beautiful views, historical castles, extensive deserts and rich history is now making a different kind of history as it is not only its first time hosting a World Cup but also the first time this event is going to be held in a Middle Eastern country. Though there is much discussion as to the destination and the development of the host cities, it promises a World Cup like no other.
Each game in the World Cup will be played in three different cities: Doha, Al Wakrah and Al Khor throughout their eight respective stadiums. There are a variety of things in the Qatari region to look forward to, such as ideal weather conditions, a large range of art and history to explore and “eco-friendly and architecturally advanced sporting facilities.”
Even though there is much excitement in the air to experience a Qatari FIFA World Cup, there is also big controversy surrounding the affair. The problems in this stem from questioning why it is that Qatar was the recipient of hosting the FIFA World Cup. Normally, the honor goes to a larger, more resourceful country. Given that this time it went to a country that had to build the infrastructure to hold the large number of spectators that will arrive, it seems somewhat counterintuitive.
There is much speculation as to why this is the case. One argument holds that the country of Qatar bought votes off of the FIFA executive committee. This is completely denied by the nation, while FIFA claims that Qatar was chosen with the purpose of “expanding soccer into new regions,” according to a Bloomberg article. This, again, concurs with this being the first time this event is being held in the Middle East.
Another prominent approach to the controversy is that of the human rights violations that the nation has committed in order to meet the Nov. 21 deadline marking the beginning of the first game. In 2013, The Guardian published an expose on the working conditions, abuse and exploitation that workers have faced that are essentially modern-day slavery. Most notably, 44 Nepalese immigrants, the nationality which makes up the greatest portion of the workers, died of heart failure due to the high temperatures or workplace accidents. Some of these Nepalese workers also claimed to not have been paid for their services and not given official work permits or identifications that could have led them toward a path of legal residence.
Sports are an essential part of international affairs. Although Qatar and the United States have a good and stable overall relationship, it can also be seen as a complicated one. An example of how sports unite people is when, in 1971, the American Ping-Pong team was invited to visit China. This went on as the nations were having tensions, which helped ease them and open up relations between the two to the point where they could engage in diplomatic activities. The circumstances of this event and what it entailed came to be became known as Ping-Pong Diplomacy.
A similar development could take place to help strengthen global relationships with Qatar. Sports do have the ability to bring people together, and likewise, there is always hope that an international event of such magnitude can once again work its magic with political affairs, foreign relations and the people of the world.
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