The decision to have world cup in Qatar caused a lot controversies since it was announced in December 2010. Although it was announced in 2010, this controversy still goes on upto day. The key concerns have been the climate, the construction of the country, the venue, political issues, issues around the employment and human violation. This has resulted into questions about the credibility of FIFA body. This followed another controversy where FIFA gave Russia an opportunity to host the 2018 world cup tournament instead of English. In Zurich, there are claims of backroom deals and bribery that dominate the voting process. Qatar is a country that does not proper football structures.
Impact on FIFA body
Many people are convinced that winter will be the best season for world cup tournament if it has to be in Qatar. Some of the commissioners of FIFA have been quoted that they will reschedule the tournament. This is a controversy that will affect most of sporting activities. Valcke Jerome was quoted from one of the radio interview in France stating that the World cup dates will not be June July. He further pointed out that the world cup will be between November and January 2015. FIFA president also stated that the tournament will be as suggested by Jerome. On the other hand, organizers of Qatar are insisting on June-July dates. However, the final decision is yet to be made awaiting the executive committee to deliberate on the issue.
How this controversy has been depicted through sports media
There was a whistle blower who came forward with claims that there was corruption during the voting process. This was given a lot attention by the sports media. Although this person later recanted the statement but it had serious impact on the controversial voting. There were plans to move the world cup tournament from the summer season because of the high temperatures. According to sports reporters, having the world’s biggest tournament in the Gulf because of the temperature goes up to 50c is ‘disastrous’. Playing football in summer in the desert country is one of the most controversial issues. Australia was one of the bidders who claimed that FIFA should compensate them for putting up a lot of money in the bid. FIFA is at a crossroad because changing the summer schedules may provoke more countries to demand compensation.
Most of the sports media expressed their dissatisfaction concerning this decision. Most of the sports media held interviews by the FIFA representatives in order to get a clear picture of this controversy. There was another key issue about the TV contracts. They all purchased the rights because they were sure it was to be aired during the summer season. This means that FIFA will breach the contract. This means that there will be lot compensation to the broadcasters. For instance, US Fox sealed a contract with $425 million rights for world cup for 2018 and 2022. If the tournament is moved to winter or any other season, then there will be issues with contracts that broadcasters sealed.
There is high demand for Qatar to come up with infrastructure in order to host the tournament. There is needed to come up with football stadium to hotels with an estimated $100bn on such projects. The conditions of workers in Qatar where migrants are having poor payment and working conditions. Slavery has been exposed by the Guardian where forced labor on world cup projects. These are issues that have raised questions about the ability of the country to host the tournament.
How the controversy has been handled
There has been internal meeting to make sure that all the FIFA members read from the same script. The decision to have World Cup moved to winter is yet to be made. Any FIFA official who suggested the changes is said to have been expressing personal opinion. Qatar has also promised to look into media reports of slavery and poor working conditions.
On the social perspective Qatar does not allow freely selling of alcohol. Most fans were concerned about the strict laws in Qatar. The FIFA president further caused more controversy when he stated that homosexuals should refrain from such activities during the tournament. Many fans say that it is almost impossible to differentiate alcohol and football. The FIFA president came out clean by apologizing about his remarks.
Reference
Alston, Philip. "‘Core labour standards’ and the transformation of the international labour rights regime." European Journal of International Law 15.3 (2004): 457-521.
Doha, Qatar. "Qatar." (2001).
Haruo, Nogawa. "14 An international comparison of the motivations and experiences of volunteers at the 2002 World Cup." Football Goes East: Business, Culture and the People's Game in East Asia (2004): 222.
Pattisson, Pete. "Revealed: Qatar’s World Cup ‘Slaves’." The Guardian (London) 25 (2013).
Salama, Vivian. "Dubai says 2022 Soccer World Cup in Qatar will lure investment to region." Bloomberg, December 22 (2010).
