2022 World Cup is in Qatar. It's about time FIFA came to the Arab world.

2022 World Cup is in Qatar. It's about time FIFA and international soccer came to the Arab world.

On Sunday the globe’s gaze will turn to the controversial hosts of this year’s soccer World Cup, Qatar. Since it was announced in 2010 that the Gulf country would host — overcoming a U.S. bid — FIFA (the international soccer governing body) has been scrutinized for awarding Qatar the privilege. Amid allegations that the country engaged in corruption and human rights abuses on its path to the World Cup, calls for boycotting one of the world’s most beloved sporting tournaments have persisted through to the opening kickoff. Such calls, however, are marred with hypocrisy. 

In condemning Qatar, we should remember that the population of this authoritarian monarchy has largely no role in its government’s schemes or human rights abuses. Furthermore, the Qatari people and the Middle East at large deserve to celebrate the global sport of football. It’s essential that the sport diversify and include the Arab world rather than condemning a global game to being Western-centric, especially as the 2022 World Cup tournament will be a rare opportunity to humanize the Middle East, a contrast to the constant headlines of war and Islamophobic narratives.

In condemning Qatar, we should remember that the population of this authoritarian monarchy largely has no role in its government’s schemes or human rights abuses.

Yet instead of welcoming the historic diversification of host countries, many in the West displayed shock at Qatar’s victory at becoming host. They have focused on Qatar’s alleged bribes to win votes. (The Qatar body responsible for putting on the  2022 World Cup has strongly denied these claims.)

Such allegations are hardly unique to Qatar, however. For starters, FIFA itself has been plagued with corruption scandals. A Swiss court determined that João Havelange, FIFA president from 1974 until 1998, accepted backhand deals for sponsorship contracts. And his successor, Sepp Blatter, was forced to resign over corruption allegations days after seven FIFA officials were arrested at the request of U.S. officials over corruption allegations totaling more than $150 million. Accusations of bribery have also haunted numerous World Cups, including the past three tournaments, held in Russia, Brazil and South Africa. 

https://www.nbcnews.com/think/opinion/2022-world-cup-qatar-time-fifa-came-arab-world-rcna57749

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