After years in the making, the World Cup in Qatar kicked off with a colourful opening ceremony on Sunday watched by millions across the globe. But in a bold move, the BBC chose to address the many controversies surrounding the event and spurned showing the ceremony live on TV.
Instead of broadcasting the opening which saw acting legend Morgan Freeman at its heart, Gary Lineker fronted coverage which addressed the treatment of migrant workers who built the stadiums, women's rights, the fact that homosexuality is illegal in Qatar and the allegations of corruption aimed at FIFA.
In a sombre beginning to the BBC's coverage of the tournament, Lineker said: "Ever since FIFA chose Qatar to host the World Cup in 2010, the smallest nation to have hosted football's greatest competition has faced some big questions. From accusations of corruption in the bidding process to the treatment of migrant workers who built the stadiums, where many lost their lives.
