You all might be well aware of Fifa’s decision to award the 2022 World Cup to Qatar but are you aware about the adverse effects of this decision?
Currently, the world is awaiting the findings of Fifa’s investigation into allegations of corruption in the application and award process of the 2022 World Cup. There have been numerous reports circling as to whether the 2022 World Cup will be handed over to the next contender in line (the USA) as a result of the corruption allegations, the soaring heat of the Qatari summer (around 42° in June-July, when the tournament is normally held) as well as the number of construction-related injuries and deaths that have plagued tournament preparation in the Gulf nation.
Qatar has been under the international microscope due to its harsh working environment for immigrant labourers brought in to build infrastructure. Workers are bound to their employers under kafala laws and are made to work for little pay in unsafe and insanitary conditions.
World Cup 2014 kicked off in Brazil yesterday with strikes and protests all over the country due to widespread public anger on the 11bn USD spent on stadiums and infrastructure, adding to list of controversies for Fifa and its president Sepp Blatter, with The International Trade Union Confederation warning that 4,000 workers could die before a ball is kicked in 2022 if nothing is done to protect worker rights.
Check out the satire video from John Oliver, a US-based British comedian in ‘Last Week Tonight’, a late-night talk show where he details Fifa’s problems:
It’s high time for the officials to keep the ‘game as beautiful as the game is’. Sign an online campaign from WalkFree.org where their movement is urging the Fifa officials to pressure Qatar to end modern slavery.