The 2022 World Cup may be the most corrupt sporting event in history. Qatar was chosen as host in 2010 and since then the bribery scandal has resulted in most of the FIFA governing body being exited. Qatar has no business hosting a World Cup. In the 12 years since being chosen, the press have highlighted abuse of migrants who built all new stadiums at great danger to themselves. The tournament itself had to be moved from the summertime (north american summer) when most football leagues are on holiday to the winter time, solely to accommodate the weather in Qatar. Summer in Qatar would be well over 100 degrees fahrenheit. They build stadiums with air conditioning (climate concerns, anyone?) all over this tiny country, and still moved it to November-December when the weather should be closer to the 80s and 90s fahrenheit. They have banned serving beer, just two days before the tournament started – i can only imagine how major sponsor Anheuser-Busch feel about that.
Qatar has demonstrated intolerance of LGBTQ people and that seems to fly right in the face of FIFAs so-called commitment to fairness and social responsibility. FIFA never should have chosen Qatar.
Some of my friends have declared that they will go on strike and not watch the World Cup, over these principles.
I thought about it, but am not joining. As disturbing as the business side of this tournament seems to be, I love the game. I cannot bring myself to miss watching the matches, and I can’t blame the players and coaches of the teams who have been preparing for four years to be at the World Cup, the greatest sporting event in the world. I wish it was somewhere else – anywhere, really – but it’s not. The athletes from USA, England, Australia, France, Brazil, Argentina, Denmark, Tunisia….etc are ready to play. Some were injured before the tournament and are heartbroken (not relieved) at not being able to join.
I will watch. I will watch the beauty of the game, the flowing motion of the ball, the passion of the players representing their country, and the heartbreak that most will feel when they eventually lose.
It’s the World Cup. No way will I miss it.
mikesteinharter.com 