https://www.msn.com/en-gb/news/editorpic...dc6b02f1aa
This is a good little article re Qatar and the use of the word "sportswashing" when applied to this highly contentious World Cup tournament and the hypocrisy attached to it. I still like to use the words "sport exceptionalism" ever since a lotta the shit that transpired during the pandemic and subsequent lockdowns when we observed a lotta people in various sports, incl footie, who really believed they were above the crisis that was unfolding to the point their behaviour was utterly uncaring, arrogant and reprehensible. It is already interesting that many sponsors and advertisers don't even wanna mention Qatar in their sales pitches. There is a classic case of hypocrisy from the likes of Brewdog in their formal criticism of the Qatar World Cup and renaming it the FuckCup that should not be taken seriously by anyone as it has so many negative connotations attached to it plus it has been riddled with massive bribery from the very beginning and should not have happened at all together with most footie leagues being ridiculously stalled for six weeks. Yet it transpires that Brewdog has sales outlets in Qatar and facilitates World Cup viewing in their bars!
There are also issues regarding the presence of Iran where their govt is currently killing thousands of people protesting for freedom with hardly a word being said re this brutal regime that is being condoned by a football team of players who are participating in this tourney. Reflect back to the "taking of the knee" and the fight against racism by the sport of footie - there is a conflict of interest although many would argue that football must prevail. Really!!?? I think FIFA would've gained many plaudits if they had banned Iran (the same action taken against Russia) and placed into a pot all the non-qualifiers from play-off matches, incl Scotland, and drawn a lucky last min qualifying nation.
This is a good little article re Qatar and the use of the word "sportswashing" when applied to this highly contentious World Cup tournament and the hypocrisy attached to it. I still like to use the words "sport exceptionalism" ever since a lotta the shit that transpired during the pandemic and subsequent lockdowns when we observed a lotta people in various sports, incl footie, who really believed they were above the crisis that was unfolding to the point their behaviour was utterly uncaring, arrogant and reprehensible. It is already interesting that many sponsors and advertisers don't even wanna mention Qatar in their sales pitches. There is a classic case of hypocrisy from the likes of Brewdog in their formal criticism of the Qatar World Cup and renaming it the FuckCup that should not be taken seriously by anyone as it has so many negative connotations attached to it plus it has been riddled with massive bribery from the very beginning and should not have happened at all together with most footie leagues being ridiculously stalled for six weeks. Yet it transpires that Brewdog has sales outlets in Qatar and facilitates World Cup viewing in their bars!
There are also issues regarding the presence of Iran where their govt is currently killing thousands of people protesting for freedom with hardly a word being said re this brutal regime that is being condoned by a football team of players who are participating in this tourney. Reflect back to the "taking of the knee" and the fight against racism by the sport of footie - there is a conflict of interest although many would argue that football must prevail. Really!!?? I think FIFA would've gained many plaudits if they had banned Iran (the same action taken against Russia) and placed into a pot all the non-qualifiers from play-off matches, incl Scotland, and drawn a lucky last min qualifying nation.