Qatar 2022: LGBTQ rights, discrimination problems ahead of most expensive World Cup tournament

The buildup to the Qatar 2022 World Cup has been a very controversial and unusual one. Unusual because some of the debates making the rounds in the media space and beyond are not what we’ve all been familiar with ahead of World Cup tournaments.

Football is a big unifier. The sport has brought a lot of people together – people of different races, colours, religion, beliefs and background. As a result of this, I, and other lovers of the beautiful game should, believe the game should not be held to ransom due to political reasons.

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Qatar is a beautiful country, no doubt and the facilities already put in place ahead of the mundial must be thoroughly commended. Since this year’s World Cup will be happening at an unusual time, with average temperatures ranging from around 78º to 115º Fahrenheit in Qatar between November and December, the country has put in place air conditioned stadiums. These stadiums will use solar energy to keep players and fans cool during games.

The architectural designs, matched with modern artistry, is a joy to behold. Everything about the country and the stadiums are just too beautiful, depicting excellence. Undoubtedly, the atmosphere will be a great one for everyone.

Controversies trailing the 2022 World Cup

However, a major issue that has been long-drawn in the days, weeks and months leading up to the tournament is that of the LGBTQ community. Also, Qatar, being hosts of the World Cup, has come under heavy scrutiny and criticism over her human rights records.

While speaking on talkSPORTS earlier in the week, Simon Jordan said societies cannot be forced to look at the world the way some people want them to look at it. He added: “Let’s show people the best way to behave in certain ways but let’s not go over there and make an agenda about people wearing a rainbow armband.”

We cannot have the same ideologies and beliefs in all the countries of the world but we can ensure the beautiful game of football is played without imposing the societal lifestyle of a particular people upon others.

Fate of the LGBTQ in Qatar

Qatar is a nation known to have a strong stance against same sex marriage and a lot of critics have questioned why a tournament as large as the World Cup should be hosted there. Australia, one of the participating countries at this year’s World Cup, have infact called for the legalisation of same-sex marriage in Qatar.

Ordinarily, Qatari law calls for a prison sentence of one to three years for whoever is “instigating” or “seducing” a male to “commit sodomy.” Also, the same number of jail time apply to those who induce or seduce a male or a female “in any way to commit illegal or immoral actions.”

Meanwhile, Qatar has said everyone is welcome, and that includes the LGBTQ fans, but that visitors should respect the nation’s culture, in which public displays of affection by anyone are frowned on.

Discrimination

Qatar have also been accused of discrimination against migrant workers in the country. Also, in the build-up to the World Cup, security forces in Qatar have been accused of mistreating LGBTQ people.

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However, the Qatari government, in a statement, has denied those allegations saying: “Qatar does not tolerate discrimination against anyone, and our policies and procedures are underpinned by a commitment to human rights for all.”

“Let football take centre stage”

When asked on his take about FIFA’s letter on allowing “football take center stage,” England manager Gareth Southgate said: “We have always spoken about issues that we think should be talked about. We would like to focus primarily on football. We don’t want our football to be dimished by anything going on around us that is not football.”

FIFA had written a letter to teams participating at this year’s World Cup to focus on football and not allow “football to be dragged into every ideological or political battle that exists.”

In as much as we would all love to focus on football, we cannot shy away from the very fundamental issues affecting the buildup to the World Cup in Qatar.

For the LGBTQ community, it is a good one that Qatar will be welcoming them during of the tournament. However, there are fears that there could be punishment for gays or lesbians living in the country in the aftermath of the tournament, another claim Qatar has denied.

With all these, I believe sports is not the best tool to promote any agenda or propaganda. Adolf Hitler rode on the wings of a large sports festival in 1926 – the Olympics – to promote his political agenda.

Solidarity for LGBTQ

As a way of showing support to the LGBTQ community, the United States Men’s National Team (USMNT) have redesigned their crest with rainbow colours. The colours will not be on their matchday shirts but will be on their training kits.

Also, England captain, Harry Kane will wear a OneLove armband at the World Cup in Qatar, even if it is prohibited by FIFA. It was announced Kane will wear a rainbow captain’s armband during the tournament as part of an anti-discrimination initiative, and in support of the LGBTQ+ community.

In contrast, France captain Hugo Lloris will not wear a rainbow armband because Fifa failed to respond to their permission requests, according to French football chiefs.

French Football Federation president Noel Le Graet said he does not want France captain Hugo Lloris to wear a rainbow armband at the Qatar World Cup in support of LGBTQ+ rights because they do not want to lecture others on what to do.

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Let’s enjoy the entertainment

Conclusively, the World Cup is an amazing tournament that brings a lot of entertainment. It is also the dream of every player to play at the World Cup. It is no surprise that a lot of criticisms have accompanied preparations for this tournament.

Qatar have witnessed many countries pointing accusing fingers at them and to a large extent, the country needs to address any human rights issue that needs to be addressed. Different countries around the world have one issue or the other that could make other countries point accusing fingers at them, making it seem that the criticisms against are politically motivated in a way. The accusations have also seemed overt from some quarters.

Prior to the commencement of the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia, critics heavily criticised the choice of the Eastern Europe nation as hosts. The 2022 Qatar World Cup has been described as the most controversial World Cup tournament of the modern era, and rightly so, due to everything surrounding LGBTQ rights and discrimination against migrant workers in the Western Asian country.