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| See that little thumb that's circled? It's the country hosting the 2022 World Cup. Really. |
As someone who is currently taking multiple courses on the Middle East and the Muslim World, I am less than giddy about FIFA's decision. Surprised about this decision? No. I saw this coming a mile away (don't believe me? I correctly called both bids last night on Twitter). Am I happy about this decision? Absolutely not. Qatar is far from an ideal country to host the World Cup.
Not that this will come to many people as a surprise, but it is truly amazing what can happen to those who pad the pockets of Sepp Blatter the most.
On the outside, it does seem like a progressive decision, but really, it's not. I wonder if FIFA has ever considered the problem that alcohol is an item that will be greatly consumed during World Cup games, but is also an item that is deeply frowned upon in Qatar. There will be some awkward moments for sure. Not to fear though. You can expect designated drinking zones during the World Cup time. Yay progressivism!
Also, what happens if Israel qualifies for the World Cup? Qatar has a terrible relationship with Israel. There is a chance that Israel could be played be forced to play their games in the deserts of Oman.
Aspeaking of the venues, this is no joke. Of the few stadiums that are currently erect in Qatar, all of them will be expanded. Of those that are not built, well, they will need building. And the cities. Currently, 5 of the 10 venues scheduled to host World Cup games are in Qatar's capital and largest city, Doha, a city which, by the way, has a population of less than a million. Qatar plans to put air conditioning in all the stadiums to prevent players from playing in the 111 degree heat of their summer time. For the sake of health of the players, I hope those air conditioners don't malfunction at any time.
The country is roughly the same size of Connecticut; how on earth do they have the capacity to accommodate the massive influx of people they will see in 2022.
I want to be happy for this Middle Eastern country, but really, there is too much working against it for me to be happy. Sepp Blatter has an agenda that most likely include rewarding people who make his pockets fatter immediately and winning a Nobel Peace Prize, both of which this could accomplish. What if the plans to build these facilities fall through?
And lastly (and my personal favorite), homosexuality is illegal in Qatar, punishable by a prison sentence of up to five years.
So, uh, congrats to FIFA on this very progressive decision?
Haha Soccer
ReplyDelete+1 49er16
ReplyDeleteNow that I'm done laughing at all of you soccer nerds for your outrage, I need to make a point.
ReplyDeleteRemember, they're not hosting the World Cup for another 12 years! I'll be 34 years old when Qatar hosts the World Cup. A lot can happen in that time period. Their views on homosexuality, alcohol, and women can change dramatically in that time period.
Just remember that.
@ Keith: Yes, I am aware of that, but these laws are not recent and these stances are not new. Alcohol has been condemned in Islamic society for its entire existence. And the same with homosexuality.
ReplyDeleteWe can all hope for change, I certainly do, but to do so would go against the Shari'a, the sacred law of Islam that has been derived from the Qur'an and the practices set forth by the Prophet Muhammad. Change can always happen, but suffice to say, I am not getting my hopes up.
The USA's global standing is probably so low they're just messing with us now. We're getting no major events now or in the future.
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