Introduction about 2022 FIFA World Cup :
Table of Contents
The 2022 FIFA World Cup held in Qatar from November 20 to December 18, 2022, was a historic event in many ways. The event was held in the Middle East for the first time, and it was an exciting competition that saw Argentina win the title for the third time in their history, defeating France in a nail-biting final match. However, Qatar had to overcome a number of disputes and hurdles on the way to this historic occasion.
The Bid and State of The Art Stadiums for FIFA World Cup :
Qatar’s bid to host the World Cup in 2009 was a compelling one. The country’s impressive development and vast petroleum reserves in the Persian Gulf made it financially capable of handling the event’s expenses. The success of the 2006 Asian Games in Doha showcased Qatar’s preparedness for the challenge. Additionally, Qatar aimed to project itself as a nation fostering global connections and mediation in contentious situations.
After winning the bid in 2010, Qatar faced fractures with some of its neighbors, but its robust relationships on both sides of the spectrum helped build an extensive network of connections. Qatar introduced climate-controlled stadiums with energy-efficient cooling systems to counteract the intense heat during the summer months, showcasing its dedication to sustainability.
Controversies and Human Rights Concerns:
The bid process itself faced accusations of corruption, bribery, and wrongdoing within FIFA. Despite facing scrutiny, Qatar presented new rules for the Kafala system in 2017, aiming to improve workers’ conditions and abolish the system entirely. However, watchdogs called for continuous cooperation and reforms as exploitative practices persisted even after 2020.
Questions arose about Qatar’s ability to accommodate Western visitors, given its mainly conservative society following a strict Wahhabi interpretation of Islam. Concerns were expressed about the treatment of women and members of the LGBTQ+ community. Qatar made efforts to strike a balance, allowing alcohol consumption in designated areas, but uncertainties remained.
Tournament Hights :
The World Cup itself was filled with drama and surprises. Saudi Arabia, the second-lowest-ranked team to qualify, caused a massive upset by defeating Argentina in the group stage. Croatia performed exceptionally well, finishing third, and Morocco impressed by reaching the quarterfinals.Argentina defeated France in a dramatic high-scoring final, with Kylian Mbappe creating history by scoring three goals.
Messi :
Messi will earn money from various sources in addition to his wage, which contributed to his move to the MLS. According to reports, MLS and Apple have promised Messi a cut of the income earned by new customers to the MLS Pass streaming service on Apple TV. Apple TV has also launched a four-episode documentary series about Messi’s FIFA World Cup run.
Also read: Lionel Messi names his favorite teammates, ranging from Ronaldinho to Neymar.
Meanwhile, Adidas (Messi’s long-term sponsor) is a big MLS sponsor, and they reportedly promised Messi a portion of the earnings generated by his arrival in MLS retail sales. He will also acquire more than one-third of Inter Miami, similar to David Beckham’s game-changing move to Los Angeles.
Conclusion:
The 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar was a historic moment for football enthusiasts all around the world. Despite the controversies and challenges faced during its preparation, Qatar showcased its capability to host a successful tournament. The cutting-edge stadiums and devotion to sustainability left an indelible impression. Concerns about human rights and socioeconomic issues, however, remained. The 2022 World Cup will be remembered as a football spectacle that provided joy and excitement to millions of people while provoking discussions about host countries’ obligations and the need for continuing improvement in ensuring fair treatment for all involved.