The game of soccer is the only universal sport
played all over the world. Like soccer
no other game is played all around the globe.
Since it is a universal sport its benefit must go to every place, every
country, every region and every continent. Hosting of FIFA World Cup in Qatar in 2022 is one major benefit for the Arab
world; it is not only a major benefit but also a major honour for this tiny Arab Gulf country
Qatar.
However, it is surprising to know that FIFA
administrators and other soccer pundits in the West are having second opinion
on hosting of World Cup 2022 in Qatar because of the climatic conditions there
especially the very hot summer weather during the time of hosting of the World Cup in
June and July when the barometer reaches to 50 C, which means very hot weather.
This opinion is very correct and before taking
a decision to allocate the 2022 World Cup to Qatar, FIFA should have realised
this factor and acted accordingly. The
chief of European soccer body Platini is showing his opposition as others like
him in giving opportunity to Qatar
but they should have realised the reality much in advance and not when final
decision was already taken.
FIFA is the world renowned organisation having
access to the top opinions on any subject and that it failed to get expert
opinion on the killing Weather condition in June-July in Qatar is beyond my
understanding. In view of this I feel
that some bribe must have been paid by Qatar to FIFA's top personnel to get this
benefit of hosting the tournament. Qatar is not free of such
allegations if you see its past record.
Controlling the killing effect of climatic
conditions thru artificial means is not a sure method but latest scientific
development can do wonders and it will do but will it give the natural
effect? Time alone will give the testimony
but I abhor change in venue to another country though I accept change in season
in Qatar
only from summer to winter.
While supporting Qatar
in hosting the 2022 FIFA World Cup, I strongly condemn the maltreatment meted
out to the expatriate labour force employed in Qatar to build the infrastructure
for hosting the World Cup there. Though it is unbelievable to accept this
allegation against Qatar
yet it is believable from the circumstances prevailing in many Arab countries
as far as their Human Rights records are concerned.
Most of the Human Rights abuses are
systematically conducted in the Arab World and Gulf is not an exception. FIFA
must pursue this topic of Human Rights abuses conducted in Qatar very
vigorously till the real truth is found out and if necessary as a last resort
punish Qatar with shifting of World Cup 2022 to some other country where Human
Rights record is good.
Hearing the news of Nepali labourers working in
Qatar
were denied of basic amenities and necessities to work are sickening. These labourers cannot be treated as
slaves. They are human beings and as such
they should be treated with human dignity.
Just because they are working as labourers they should not be treated as
animals.
Worst still is the news that many labourers are dead due to harsh
treatment meted out to them on the job.
The soccer players and their Unions all around the globe must in unison
condemn Qatar
for treating the labourers there so badly.
I on my part strongly condemn it.
A. Veronica Fernandes,
Kuwait.
