The eyes of the world are focused on Qatar for the 2022 edition of the men’s Fifa World Cup – the globe’s largest single-sport event. Qatar was a somewhat surprising choice. It’s the smallest-ever host in terms of its geographic and population size, and its extreme heat in the usual hosting period (June/July) means the tournament is playing out in November/December. Since the decision was announced in 2010, much media attention has focused on the country’s customs and cultural issues, such as the perceived abuse of workers’ rights and the lack of acceptance of LGBTIQ freedoms.
In the lead up to the event, there were calls – from teams and high-profile celebrities – to boycott the event or protest these issues. The host nation seems largely untroubled: it has continued its strategic policy of using major sport events to boost its global reputation and image, especially through showcasing its technological advances and Arabic hospitality.
