The world is all enthusiastic and eagerly waiting for another World Cup this year again after four long years as the World Cup knocks at the door. Qatar, the host of upcoming “The Greatest Show on Earth”, are all set to host the sport’s biggest event.
This year’s largest world cup has drawn football world’s attention and criticism. Since Qatar secured the right to host the tournament in 2010, there have been many gossips around it.
The world cup is much awaiting as always, but, this time around the world cup is bringing a truly different and unique flavor and why will it even not be that way?
World Cup usually takes place during June and July but, this year the tradition had to change just because Qatar bagged the opportunity to host the world cup, representing the Arab countries for the first time as a host.
Truly, unique experience for Qatar and best for the betterment of the game. But, with geology changes politics, new form of geopolitics then tend to emerge and start affecting other elements as well. So, is the case here.
Qatar is known for its hot summer and is also strictly abiding by the Shariah Law. Therefore, the timeline for hosting the world cup had to change. But, problem remains with Shariah Law. Many Human Rights Organization are quite vocal in this regard.
But, to host a global event the ambience should be safe. There are tons of LGBTQ supporters around the world who wants to experience the match being physically present at the events. Therefore, they are in need of support.
They did not even have to wait long as football teams around the world started showing support. Especially, European teams now are standing on behalf of the LGBTQ community.
Recently, FIFA came under pressure Wednesday from several European soccer federations who want to showcase LGBTQ rights. Their captains will wear an armband with a rainbow heart design during World Cup games in Qatar to campaign against discrimination.
“Wearing the armband together on behalf of our teams will send a clear message when the world is watching,” England captain Harry Kane said in a statement.
After Russia in 2018, this is the second World Cup in a row when LGBTQ football fans have had to consider whether or not to visit a country with a questionable history of gay rights.
Eight of the 13 European soccer teams traveling to Qatar, including two world champions France and Germany, participated in the “OneLove” campaign, which was first launched in the Netherlands.
But the fact is, the rights of lesbian, homosexual, bisexual, and transgender people are suppressed in Qatar, and same-sex relationships can result up to seven years in prison and a fine. Although there have been no instances of the death sentence being used against Muslims in Qatar, sharia law allows for it as a punishment.
Qatar should create an exception for visitors this year. The tournament’s chief executive, Nasser Al Khater, claims that since acquiring the hosting rights in 2010, the organization has been handled “unfairly.” Josh Cavallo, a football player, said he would be “scared” to play in Qatar because of the country’s anti-LGBTQ policies, but Al Khater said he would be welcomed.
It’s untrue, he declared, that people don’t feel safe here. “Everyone is welcome here. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again. This place is secure and welcoming for everyone. Qatar is a tolerant nation, a friendly nation” he remarked.
However, FIFA rules require that teams must use equipment provided by the governing body and are not allowed bringing their own armband designs to the World Cup.
