Ed Sheeran is celebrating his court victory with style.
17.04.2023 - 17:44
It is fair to say that the soccer world was shocked when Qatar was awarded the 2022 World Cup by FIFA way back in 2010. Due to Russia already being awarded the 2018 edition, no European hosts could be considered. There were bids from Australia, Japan and the US - but FIFA controversially chose Qatar.
FIFA has defended the decision to host the first ever World Cup on Middle Eastern soil. But critics have kept up their protestations and pointed to alleged human rights violations in the years since. Sportsbooks such as MyBookie will take a lot of interest in the tournament held at the end of this year – but celebrities haven’t always been as keen to show involvement. But why is that?
The World Cup in Qatar is just one of the big examples of what is called sportswashing. This is when a nation, government or regime uses the apparent legitimacy of a major sports event or team to paper over any criticism of the way they run their state.
Alongside the allegations and rumors of bribery and corruption connected to the bid itself, there have been countless allegations of human rights abuses in Qatar. There have also been thousands of deaths of workers building the stadiums needed to host the World Cup. The argument is that Qatar is using the tournament hoping that all those issues will be forgotten.
Usually when a World Cup comes around, celebrities are falling over themselves to be involved and pictured at the various events in the build up to the tournament. Although there definitely hasn’t been a lack of celebrity endorsement this year, it is noticeable how many have been quieter than usual on the topic.
The athletes themselves are now celebrities, of course, and FIFA may have expected former soccer players to fall in line when asked to be involved in draws and events. Although there has been little overt criticism from the biggest names, there have been some absences.
David Beckham has a very strong business connection with Qatar – and the World Cup in particular. He has appeared at a number of events but was curiously absent from the big draw at the start of April. Gary Lineker even turned down the opportunity to officiate because of his previous comments on FIFA’s decision to award Qatar the event.
Whereas some celebrities from the sports and entertainment worlds have remained silent about the controversial decision to award the tournament to Qatar, businesses have been a little more vocal.
Many businesses and companies that are regular sponsors of international soccer teams around the world have given up their rights for this event. Some of Denmark’s sponsors have allowed human rights groups to take up their space. Whereas others have dropped out entirely.
Celebrities seem to have been more inclined to not answer questions rather than openly criticize. Although there were still plenty of red carpet attendees who have been happy to be photographed at Qatar-based events.
Although some soccer players and associations have felt the need to voice their concerns over Qatar hosting this year’s World Cup, there is no doubt that the tournament will go ahead as planned in November and December.
Celebrities from the world of soccer have tended to remain neutral on questions about the host and happy to be involved in events. Stars of the entertainment world have also stayed in the spotlight. But the controversy will continue as long as human rights issues are raised.
The celebrity world may not have caused any real problems for FIFA and the Qatar organizing committee. But it is very interesting how many regular faces have tried to escape any real questioning about their involvement.
Ed Sheeran is celebrating his court victory with style.
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