Sepp Blatter, the former president of FIFA, recently stated that awarding the 2022 World Cup to Qatar was a mistake, just days before the tournament is set to begin. When Qatar was announced as the host in 2010, there were accusations of corruption and bribery surrounding the decision. Despite a report commissioned by FIFA in 2014 giving Qatar’s bid approval, doubts still remain about the legitimacy of the selection process. Qatar has invested heavily in infrastructure, including stadiums, an expanded airport, and hotels, in preparation for the tournament, hoping to shift the focus to matters on the pitch rather than off it.
The decision to host the World Cup in Qatar has raised questions about the influence of money and new ideas in top-level football. Corruption scandals, financial struggles for clubs, and the rise of breakaway leagues like the European Super League have all impacted the sport in recent years. Investors from America and the Middle East have poured money into European clubs, leading to discussions about new super-tournaments that could rival the World Cup. Qatar’s financial resources were a key factor in its selection as the host country, despite the national team not being considered contenders to win the tournament.
While Qatar’s team is the Asian champions, they have never qualified for a World Cup before. The decision to include them in the tournament as the host country has raised questions about the fairness and transparency of the selection process. As the World Cup approaches, Qatar is hoping that the focus will shift to the action on the field, with fans and players coming together to enjoy the global spectacle of the tournament. However, the controversy surrounding the decision to award the tournament to Qatar continues to linger, casting a shadow over the event.
