With 20 days before the FIFA World Cup kickoff in Qatar, football fans around the world are getting ready to witness a mouthwatering tournament. The FIFA World Cup is the biggest tournament in the world and probably one of the most viewed tournaments as countries battle to outshine each other and to show their country’s prowess in the world of football.
This is the first world cup to be held in the Middle East, which has sparked many controversies as many were against the world cup being held in a desert.
It will be a harsh condition for most countries, especially those who have never played in a desert climate, as the temperatures will be unbearable to them.
The stadiums however have been built to cater for all as most stadiums have installed air conditioners probably to make the stadium comfortable and accommodative to all the participating countries.
The timing of the tournament is also questionable by many as the world cup has always been held during the off-season period, while this time round, it is held while most of the seasons in different leagues in the world are currently ongoing.
The world cup will be held from the 20th of November 2022 to the 18th of December 2022, which is probably the period when most of the leagues are usually at the climax.
There is also the issue of the world cup not accommodating everyone. Qatar being a Muslim nation, has its own culture. Alcohol is prohibited, and same-sex relationship is also an abomination in the country.
Questions have been raised concerning these issues as the FIFA World Cup is one of the tournaments which is expected to bring together the whole world with people of different cultures and beliefs.
The host country-Qatar and the world football governing body, FIFA, have reiterated that everyone is welcome in Qatar.
“Let me repeat it clearly everyone will be welcomed to the tournament, regardless of their origin, background, religion, gender, sexual orientation, or nationality,” said FIFA president Giovanni Vincenzo Infantino amid LGBTQ concerns in recent days.
Article by Michael Omondi
Email: michaelomondi@upeohubdigital.co.ke
