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World Cup Controversy

Decent Essays

Every four years soccer fans around the world tune in to see their nations compete for the most prestigious trophy in the soccer world: The World Cup. Fans of the sport have grown to love the tradition the World Cup has created; however, in the year 2022 the tradition and integrity of the great tournament may be altered. Qatar was selected to be the host of the 2022 World Cup, this selection has sparked a controversy in the “Fútbol World.” Following the selection many FIFA (Federation International Football Association) employees were arrested, tried, and found guilty of accepting bribes from Qatar officials (BBC). The bribes were used to swing votes in favor of Qatar as the potential host of the World Cup. To keep the integrity …show more content…

With the selection of Qatar as host of the World Cup the integrity of the game may be in question. On May 26, 2015 fourteen FIFA officials were arrested on charges of federal corruption. During the investigation it was discovered that these officials were taking bribes from Qatar officials in order to increase the chance that Qatar would be the chosen host of the World Cup. Many fans are calling for a re-selection, and if not granted, plan on boycotting the games. A boycott of FIFA’s largest attraction would be destructive to the entire soccer world. Cut backs would be enforced throughout the FIFA organized leagues which will result in poor field conditions, less money granted to soccer clubs, and poor stadium quality or repairs. These consequences would result in poor game and competition quality. FIFA think again. A leading organizer of the possible boycotts wrote this, “Despite clear evidence that the elections for the World Cup 2022 were ‘bought’, FIFA persists in organising it in Qatar. FIFA thinks it can simply ignore the will of billions of football fans. Don’t accept it as a fact that the 2022 World Cup will be held in Qatar. If the whole world wants it, this can still be changed” …show more content…

The extreme heat and lack of safety equipment is the source to many of these tragic accidents. To this date 1,200 construction related deaths have been connected to the building of the World Cup (Ingraham); however, it is suspected that the death toll is greater. The frightening number of deaths should force FIFA to re-evaluate their decision of choosing Qatar. The World Cup is a time for excitement and celebration, it should not be responsible of carrying the burdens of these fallen souls. The country's labor ministry had this to say about the allegations, “We believe that the people helping us build our country deserve to be fairly paid, humanely treated and protected against exploitation. That is why we are reforming our labour laws and

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