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| AP Photo/Martin Meissner |
Few events in recent memory have been as rife with controversy and drama as the selection of Qatar to host the FIFA World Cup in 2022. The football World Cup is the apex of any player's career. However, due to the pressure of international competition, things don't always go according to plan. The World Cup is also a breeding ground for political, diplomatic, and sporting resentments.
Shocks and surprises
This World Cup has excelled, from the surprises, shocks, and upsets in the group stages to the excitement of the knockout rounds—and arguably the best final ever.
Many football fans were stunned by the early exits of traditional European powerhouses. Belgium failed to advance past the group stage. Portugal, Spain, and Germany all lost. Morocco’s performance was one for the books.
Argentina's thrilling penalty shootout victory over defending champion France gave soccer star Lionel Messi the one trophy he had not been able to win during his lengthy career.
Disputed Qatar bid
Before, there was the awarding of the tournament to Qatar, a country with little-to-no football history and no suitable stadiums. This was followed by allegations of bribery and corruption, which Qatar has strenuously denied.
Then came the news that the tournament would be moved from its traditional summer slot to winter, due to the extreme heat in Qatar in June and July. This meant that major European leagues would have to rearrange their schedules, much to the displeasure of many clubs and players
This change caused much controversy and debate, with some arguing that Qatar should not be allowed to host the event due to its lack of infrastructure and hot weather conditions. However, others argued that Qatar had the financial resources and ability to build the necessary infrastructure in time for the tournament.
Officiating
For the first time, female officials were used in the men's World Cup. People are always complaining about referees, whether they made a good call or not. There's barely a phrase that doesn't contain some variation on "no way was that offside" or "he just dived."
Six females, including U.S. referee Kathryn Nesbitt, officiated both on and off the field, which is another first for the tournament. An all-female crew officiated the Germany-Costa Rica tie.
Human rights concerns
Qatar's human rights record came under intense scrutiny in the lead-up to the World Cup. Allegations of forced labour and poor working conditions were widespread. International human rights groups spoke against FIFA and Qatar, accusing them of turning a blind eye to modern-day slavery.
And now, there were fears that the LGBTQ community will not be welcomed at the 2022 World Cup. This is because homosexuality is illegal in Qatar and punishable by up to five years in prison. There were calls to boycott the tournament unless Qatar agreed to change its laws.
A warning was issued to European team captains that wearing rainbow armbands would result in a yellow card. The teams withdrew their planned show of support. Fans and journalists wearing rainbow-themed clothing were either detained or had their clothing confiscated.
We will always remember the controversial FIFA World Cup 2022. It was a tournament that had it all, from surprise results to last-minute drama.
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