27th November 2022
Iranian players – forced to sing the national anthem
As the most controversial World Cup ever draws to the end of its first week any doubt that politics and sport do not mix has been firmly put to bed. Arguably that bridge was crossed when the non footballing Qatari dictatorship was awarded the World Cup in 2010. Not that Qatar 2022 is the first controversial staging of an international sporting event. The 1936 Olympics in Nazi Germany is the most obvious reference point, setting the template for using international events as propaganda in Leni Riefenstahl’s film Triumph of the Will.
The Qataris have been building up to 2022 for 12 years, quite literally in the case of the range of stadiums built, controversially with cheap migrant labour, resulting in an estimated 6,500 deaths during the period. During that time they have also bought into the European Champions League, through the purchase of Paris St. Germain with a minority stake in Portuguese club Braga on the horizon.
The illusion that FIFA makes the rules in the international football arena has also been dissolved in Qatar. Solidarity with the LGBTQ community, through the wearing of rainbow armbands, hats or wristbands, either on or off the pitch, have been quashed by the Qataris either directly or through FIFA. In spite of the 12 years of planning the Qataris imposed an alcohol ban inside stadiums just two days before the first match. FIFA were powerless to resist, in spite of the multi-million dollar sponsorship deal with Budweiser, which may yet lead to court action.
The focus on the abuse of human rights in relation to the LGCTQ community and migrant workers has overshadowed the draconian approach that the Qataris have to half of its citizens, women. Medieval rules restrict women’s movement, right to work, right to education and, as for the right to vote, in common with the rest of the Qatari population, they cannot even go there.
There is an argument that it is a step forward to hold a World Cup in a Middle East and Muslim nation. If nothing else it has shone a light on human rights abuses and given otherwise marginalised communities more prominence. This may be an unintended outcome of the current situation but was certainly not planned.
With regard to Muslim nations hosting a World Cup both Egypt and Turkey are Muslim countries, though controversial too for a range of reasons, which have a far richer football pedigree than Qatar. However, neither possess the financial muscle of the Qataris and this World Cup is nothing if not a bought and paid for attempt at sportswashing by the unelected dynasty in Qatar.
Not to be outdone, the Qataris neighbours in Saudi Arabia are keen to make the most of their presence at Qatar 2022. Quite apart from any on pitch exploits the Saudis have carefully placed adverts advising viewers to experience the adventure that is Saudi Arabia, during commercial breaks in World Cup coverage on ITV. This follows on from the use of the ‘Fly Saud’ advertising around pitch side barriers at recent acquisition Newcastle United’s ground, St James’ Park.
In spite of the Qatari and FIFA efforts at manipulation on the pitch protests have been seen. Significantly, the Iran team refused to sing the national anthem before their game with England, in solidarity with 22 year old Mahsa Amini, murdered by the morality police in Tehran. They were subsequently forced to do so ahead of their game against Wales, following threats from the Iranian regime. The German team have covered their mouths in protest at being silenced by FIFA and the England team continue to take the knee, in protest at all forms of racism and discrimination.
As the tournament progresses it is inevitable that the football debates and issues will temporarily supersede the political issues. However, it is clear that whoever wins at Qatar 2022, no-one will really be covered in glory. From FIFA’s original award, to the Qataris attempts to clean up their international reputation the damage to football, as a potential unifying force, may have suffered a terminal blow.
With the Glazer family recently signalling that they will listen to offers for Manchester United, perhaps the world’s most recognisable football brand, it will be interesting to see how quickly the oil rich dictatorships move to add yet another title to their sports washed portfolio. It is likely that the FA’s fit and proper owner test will no doubt be swept aside as easily as FIFAs take on a fit and proper location to stage a football World Cup.
Avanti Populo 