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It Doesn’t Matter Who Wins the World Cup in Qatar…
… Football is the loser
Two days before the start of the FIFA World Cup, Qatar, the host nation, banned the sale of alcohol in the stadiums. It was a move that possibly shocked, among others, the football’s governing body, but not those who understand aspects beyond the financials.
The ban, a last-minute u-turn, was at the behest of the Qatari royal family. The decision complicated FIFA’s relationship with Budweiser, the company that shells out $75 million every four years to be associated with football’s flagship tournament.
Worse still, FIFA officials had to justify the decision, keeping in mind their larger interests, even as the furious fans demanded a refund from the organisers.
It was yet another instance in which the tiny but wealthy nation had used its financial muscle to ensure the total submission of the governing body behind the world’s most popular sport.
It’s also another example of the hypocrisy that has become synonymous with international football. Yes, while fans were prevented from consuming alcoholic beverages, the same was available for all top officials and affluent guests.
