If sportswashing was once a novel concept, it now appears standard for major international events. But the World Cup, which kicks off next Sunday, so far seems to have done more to stain the image of football than improve Qatar’s. Diehard fans as well as human rights campaigners have complained that this looks more like a grubby hymn to money and power than a joyous celebration of the game – even if the drama and tension of the tournament will end up overwhelming many people’s qualms.
The shock decision to award Qatar the contest was controversial even in 2010. But with revelations over the treatment of migrant workers and the spotlighting of its anti-gay laws, concern has steadily mounted. Last week, a Qatar World Cup ambassador described homosexuality as “damage in the mind” and Sepp Blatter, the former head of Fifa, said Qatar was a bad choice as host (though only because it was “too small a country”).
