We are now just days away from the beginning of the World Cup 2022 in Qatar, and while fans naturally have excitement over football’s biggest prize, the FIFA tournament will arrived with a chorus of criticism.
The first World Cup to take place in the middle of a European season, FIFA have received widespread outrage at their decision to host a the competition in a country that currently has a more-than-questionable human rights record.
Many footballers, musicians and celebrities have spoken out again the tournament, with Lionesses’ star Beth Mead and Germany boss Hansi Flick being more than blunt in their assessment, while the likes of David Beckham, Graeme Souness and legendary former Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger have praised the decision.
Whichever way you look at it, it will be a tournament like no other we’ve experienced.
13. Steve Clarke - Scotland manager
“I won’t go to Qatar. I’d rather go together with a big squad of players and my staff." Photo: Charlie Crowhurst
14. Arsene Wenger - former Arsenal manager
"The project for the event is fantastic but the community will take advantage of it after the World Cup, which is a great idea." Photo: Stuart MacFarlane
15. Josh Cavallo - Adelaide United midfielder and openly gay footballer
“I know personally, if I go there, I will be protected because I’m in the public eye - but it’s not me that I’m worried about. It’s those ones that are messaging me. It’s those people that aren’t in the public eye that are scared to even be themselves and walk the streets. To see that we’re heading to a country that’s criminalising people like myself … It’s quite concerning." Photo: Ashley Feder