FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022: Know all controversies surrounding this year’s mega tournament

This year’s biggest football extravaganza, the 2022 FIFA World Cup, kicked off on Sunday in Qatar. The inaugural match was played between Ecuador and host Qatar. This is the first time a mega sports tournament is being hosted by an Arab country.

Just like the rest of the world, soccer is the most famed sport in the Arab nations too. However, it has been hindered by controversies around it. FIFA and the host nation Qatar have been the target of critics for human rights violations, corruption and extremely hot and humid climate.

What is the alleged bribe controversy?

Qatar was accused of providing more than $3 million to FIFA officials as bribes. However, these allegations were sorted out later.

The basic infrastructure wasn't ready in Qatar to host the World Cup

Since the selection of Qatar as World Cup 2022 host in 2010, it has been in news. As per the Middle East and North Africa researcher with Amnesty International, May Romanos, the Arab country was not prepared to host such a massive sports event due to infrastructure challenges. It lacked world-class stadiums and hotels to accommodate the visitors coming to watch the soccer matches.

Human rights organizations denounce Qatar

Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch and others have in general condemned Qatar for its religious ideology and migrant workers' exploitation. Human rights posed questions about unfair labour practices including overwork and underpay issues.

FAQs:

1. Where is Qatar located?
   The neighbouring Persian Gulf and Saudi Arabia, Qatar is based on the Arabian Peninsula.
2. How is the climate of Qatar?
   The climate here mostly remains hot and humid.