World Cup mired in controversy - 23rd November 2022

The men’s 2022 World Cup in Qatar’s kicked off with a lavish opening ceremony. Qatar’s selection as the host country’s been mired in controversy with accusations of corruption and bribery in the bidding system to human rights violations.

The Gulf state splashed out on state of the art infrastructure for the international fixtures. Yet claims of poor working conditions tantamount to slavery and deaths of migrant workers in its predominantly immigrant labour workforce have tarnished the nation's reputation.

On the steps of the Qatari Embassy in London protesters drew attention to human rights abuses in the country, especially those facing migrant workers, women and LGBTQ+ communities. Human rights activist Peter Tatchell’s convinced Qatar's unfit to play host to such a global event.

Peter Tatchell: "Hosting a major sporting event is a privilege, not a right and with privileges comes obligations including the obligation to respect the principle of universal human rights enshrined by the United Nations. Qatar is in violation of those universal human rights principles and on those grounds alone, it is unfit to host the World Cup."

Outlawed in Qatar, homosexuality's punishable with three years imprisonment. Not only are same sex marriages and civil partnerships taboo, but campaigning for LGBTQ+ rights is also illegal.

With this men's World Cup triggering international public outcry from many, including celebrities, football commentators and players themselves, some team captains have taken action to tackle discrimination and inequality. Wales and England's captains were amongst 7 European teams which had opted to don 'One Love' armbands in their protest for equality and inclusivity.

However, having been threatened with the prospect of yellow cards for doing so, which risked letting down their teams, captains were forced to reconsider. England will, however, take the knee before each match to combat discrimination.