Despite the euphoria of hosting the 2022 FIFA World Cup, Qatar faces the daunting task of winning the tournament for the first time. As the host of the tournament, Qatar has made strides in the social sector, but the country is still faced with issues concerning the safety of its migrant workers. Many workers fear losing their jobs and being exploited. These workers are not subject to the same safety measures as other countries, and they continue to face exploitation.
There have been a number of incidents involving soccer stars raising concerns over the rights of fans. While FIFA has created a social media service to protect players, online discrimination against them is still a concern. Several players from Germany and Norway have worn t-shirts voicing their concerns about human rights in Qatar.
While the draw for the 2022 FIFA World Cup has been a bit of a letdown, the tournament has a few encouraging signs. FIFA president Gianni Infantino said last week that Qatar has made some social progress as World Cup host. While it is still too early to tell, there are signs that the country will make headway on issues concerning its migrant workers.
Several athletes have worn t-shirts emblazoned with the words ‘Football Supports Change’ to show their support for the cause. While the campaign is not new, it is a good way to show solidarity with the migrant workers of Qatar. While athletes have made similar stands in World Cup qualifying matches, their gesture has not been universal.
The 2022 FIFA World Cup is four years away, and although it is unlikely to take place in Africa, it will certainly garner attention from the region. The tournament begins November 20 and runs through December 18. A host of countries will be taking part, including Algeria, Algeria, Croatia, France, France, Germany, England, Italy, Mexico, Spain, Uruguay and Venezuela.
While the 2022 FIFA World Cup is four years away, many of the most highly-anticipated teams have already finalized their rosters. While several players have already traveled to the Middle East to prepare for the tournament, many more have not. As such, the competition is likely to be an even more grueling experience than usual.
In fact, a study published last week by Human Rights Watch found that more than six-hundred migrant workers have died in Qatar since the country was chosen to host the World Cup. While the numbers may be small, the effects of the hot temperatures and lack of preparation time are far-reaching. These factors are expected to contribute to a higher number of soft-tissue injuries in Qatar than in other countries.
There is no shortage of controversies over the 2022 FIFA World Cup. Some athletes have raised concerns over the rights of fans and migrant workers. Others have lauded the tournament as the best ever. While no player has actually been banned from the World Cup, FIFA’s disciplinary code states that players and federations may face disciplinary action for non-sporting demonstrations.
