The Controversy: Slave Labor, Discrimination, and Rising Temperatures
It is once again almost time for the largest sporting event in the world to begin: the World Cup. Once every four years the entire world rallies to support their home nation in a monumental soccer competition which, upon victory, will grant one country pride and glory for years to come. This year, 5 billion are predicted to tune in and watch worldwide, as compared to the 3.5 billion that tuned in to the games in 2018. Controversially, the World Cup will be taking place in Qatar this year. For many reasons, it has sparked worldwide debate.
From the moment they announced its location, many suspected that some FIFA committee members had been paid off millions of dollars to choose Qatar in the voting process. FIFA would go on to deny any of the allegations made. Additionally, Qatar had the least amount of stadiums prior to the event out of any country ever, requiring them to build many arenas over several years in preparation. Qatar has invested over 200 billion dollars into preparing the infrastructure for the tournament, but the most controversial aspect of this whole ordeal is the migrant labor used in the process.
Over 30,000 migrant workers were needed to create the new stadiums, hotels, roads, and metro systems. Most of these workers came from Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Nepal, and the Philippines. In 2016, accusations were made by Amnesty International that these workers lived in horrible conditions, had their salaries withheld, and were forced to pay additional fees for no reason. The following year, Qatar responded by cutting down work hours and improving their quality of living. In 2021, workers spoke out that no real change was ever actually made, and the conditions were still grueling. At this point, many human rights organizations requested that FIFA sponsors such as Coca-Cola and Adidas, for example, would get involved and pressure FIFA into intervening. Some companies made statements speaking out against Qatar, but despite the efforts, no change was really made. Sadly, it was later revealed that over 6,500 migrant workers had died in the process of building stadiums in Qatar, and the controversy doesn’t end here.
There is also widespread worry about the fact that homosexuality is considered punishable by law in Qatar, despite the fact that the country made a statement saying that all were welcome to come. And while FIFA has tried to make the restrictions more lenient for this event, members of the LGBTQ community who may want to attend and, openly display their beliefs, might be taking a big risk.
Lastly, the controversy with the most direct effect to the average viewer is undoubtedly the fact that this World Cup is taking place in the winter rather than the summer. This was initially enacted because of the fact that it’s simply too hot in Qatar in the summer to play sports. Even though it will now take place in the winter, temperatures will still reach 75 degrees or more which may not be optimal for play. Another issue attached to this matter is the fact that the timing interrupts the regular seasons of many national soccer leagues, such as the English Premier League, which is the largest sports league on the planet. The timing not only cuts some players’ seasons in half, but also reduces their time to have an off-season as their regular league timing is now extended. Time zones are also a prominent issue; while people who reside in Europe and Africa may not have a problem, North Americans for example, do. Most of the games will be played early in the morning which for many people will conflict with their jobs/school schedules.
World Cup Predictions: Top 10 Teams Heading into Qatar
It’s now the time of year when nations around the world have to select a roster of the finest football talent they have to send to Qatar for the World Cup. While there are favorites every year, this sport is too unpredictable to ever pick and ever have a clear cut winner. Here is a list of the top 10 teams heading into the competition.
10. Denmark
In the 10th place spot is Denmark, a country who is widely considered to be the “Dark Horse” of the tournament. Christian Eriksen is currently in form, and the team as a whole is in good shape, having beaten France twice in recent months. The question is, will they carry their strong performance through the later stages of the tournament against stronger teams if they get there?
9. Croatia
At 9th is Croatia, the reigning runners-up of the last World Cup. Their biggest strength is undoubtedly their star player, and Ballon d’or winner, Luka Modric. Now, yes, they are not the same team they were in 2018, but they still are coming off a good performance in the UEFA nations league, having placed in the top 4 recently. They are coming off two wins against Denmark and 1 against France as well. While they aren’t the most star studded roster, they are definitely a competitive team capable of beating the very best.
8. Belgium
Belgium is ranked 2nd on the world rankings at the moment and are looking good. Kevin De Bruyne, who is arguably the best passing midfielder in the world, leads their team, and with the addition of Real Madrid keeper, Thibaut Courtouis, they are most definitely not lacking star power. What holds them back is the declining form of stars like Eden Hazard and Romelo Lukaku, two players once considered to be the best of their generation. Despite their former ‘golden generation’ falling subject to father time, they are still a force to be reckoned with.
7. Netherlands
The orange are coming off 15 games unbeaten under coach Louis van Gaal, and they have gotten into form at the perfect time. While they are centered around a strong defense led by Liverpool superstar, Virgil Van Dijk, they don’t seem to lack scoring ability as well, having come off a 4-1 win against Belgium recently. Possessing skillful strikers, such as Steven Bergwijn and Memphis Depay, as well as a talented midfield, including Frenkie de Jong, the orange army surely have the potential to go far.
6. Germany
Although they have only won 2 of their last 8 matches, Germany must never be looked over. With stars such as young talent, Jamal Musiala, legendary goalkeeper, Manuel Neuer, and others, such as Thomas Muller and Joshua Kimmich, Germany has a phenomenal team. What holds them back is the question of whether or not they can work together well: can they harness the tournament mentality needed to make it through the knockout rounds?
5. England
England has possibly one of the best rosters they have had in years if you are considering their star power. Despite having performed poorly recently, notably with a loss to Hungary, they have too much talent to be ignored. Star forward Harry Kane is in his usual form and players like Phil Foden, Jude Bellingham, and Bukayo Saka are all young players who may be in it with the best of them already. While the injury of Reece James and the questions regarding the manager position pose issues, England simply has too many good players to be ignored as a contender.
4. Spain
Spain, being one of the teams who qualified for the top 4 in the UEFA Nations league, is looking good, and they have a promising young roster. Notably, Pedri, Gavi, and Ansu Fati are incredibly talented young players who already seem to be on top of the world. Being matched up with Germany in their group will surely make the journey harder for them, but they have limitless potential. Under the leadership of Luis Enrique, Spain are surely contenders for the trophy.
3. France
Now, yes, the reigning champs did barely escape relegation in their nations league group but you must not forget, it’s France. While they do miss Kante, Pogba, and Kounde due to injuries, their talent is limitless and arguably the best in the tournament. Mbappe, who is one of the most talented young players the sport has ever seen, is accompanied by superstars by the likes of Ousmane Dembele, Ballon d’or winner, Karim Benzema, Oliver Giroud, and Antoine Griezman. While they have proven to be beatable, they surely are favorites to repeat their title.
2. Argentina
Surely, the South Americans are on top this time around. Having won the Copa America, Messi and his group of technically genius Argentinians are going for gold. Messi has one award he has not yet won in his career and he’s looking to take it now; unsurprisingly, he is still in superb form and with a relatively easy group, it’s almost guaranteed that Argentina goes far.
1. Brazil
Brazil is simply perfect heading into the World Cup. With unlimited depth, and an in-form Neymar Jr, the possible absence of stars like Gabriel Jesus doesn’t even really pose an issue. The selecao have wildly strong players at every level at the field, from the keepers, to the midfield, to the forwards. With a perfect balance of young super talents, and veteran super talents (all in form) they seem virtually unstoppable.
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