2 December 2010, a dramatic day in the footballing world that saw FIFA president Sepp Blatter announce Qatar would be hosting the 2022 World Cup.
It was a decision that sparked controversy around the globe as the prestigious competition moved to the middle east for the first time.
With a population of around three million, the Arabian country is the smallest to ever host the tournament and they were picked over the likes of Australia, South Korea, Japan and the United States.
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There have been a high number of complaints regarding the heat and the disruptions hosting the World Cup in winter has had on the European Leagues.
As well as these points, there are further and more important reasons as to why Qatar has come under fire.
The nation has been accused of human rights violations relating to their use of migrant workers to construct the infrastructure for the tournament.
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A labour force from countries such as Bangladesh, India and Nepal arrived to help build the stadiums for the games.
As reported by The Guardian, an estimated figure of 6,500 of these workers died over the recent years.
These reports have led people to question whether they should be watching the most viewed global sporting event worldwide.
Matt Debono, Absolute Chelsea owner and Sports Journalist has shared his stance on people deciding to boycott the World Cup.
He said: “I completely get it, everyone has their own reasons, particularly on the human rights issues as well as how Qatar were awarded the World Cup.
“Many want to watch it to support their country and that is completely fine too. Whatever people decide to do, it’s down to them and you have to accept that.”
We are nearly at the end of the World Cup in Qatar, our reporter @SamCollinsSJ takes one last look at the controversies surrounding the competition.⚽️ pic.twitter.com/3tZGvTLf4a
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Another reason as to why people are deciding to boycott is due to the discrimination against women and the LGBTQ+ community.
In Qatar for example, it is illegal for two males to have sex, with penalties including lashing, prison sentences and deportation.
Despite the Qatar government claiming everyone was welcome to attend, former Qatari footballer and current ambassador for the event, Khalid Salman, described homosexuality as “damaged in the mind.”
With a varying number of issues, it begs the question just how much of a mistake it was to hand this small nation the World Cup.
On this matter, Debono shared: “It was a mistake on everyone knows it. From how they won it to what has happened while the stadiums have been built with the deaths of migrant workers and their stance on inclusivity.
He continued: “Nothing feels right about this tournament, but that is down to FIFA and all we can do is voice our opinions to ensure that the issues are consistently voiced, raised and talked about.”
