Despite controversy, Qatar gears up to claim its place in the football world

Amidst consistent controversy related to human rights and working conditions, Qatar is gearing up to host the FIFA World Cup in a few days. The attention that the host nation has come under has largely been negative, bordering on a boycott of the tournament, with former FIFA president Sepp Blatter even suggesting that it was a “mistake” to award Qatar the opportunity in 2012, which subsequently led to a modification in the guidelines adhered to while selecting hosts.

 However, it has also been acknowledged that hosting the event should bring both revenue and joy to millions of residents and workers who cannot be held responsible for the policies of the Qatar administration. Furthermore, many football fans of surrounding countries will be able to attend the World Cup in person (which is being held in Asia for only the second time) compared to other editions which have generally been more accessible to those living in the West. As the host nation, Qatar will also be participating in the World Cup, which is its first appearance ever. This also means that most of the players on the team were children when their nation was selected as a host, and they, along with supporting staff, will be looking forward to representing their country at the World Cup for the first time.

Qatar’s football team will also be looking to make a mark and were the champions of the AFC Asian Cup in 2019. An exit at the group stage, which has befallen most top teams in various editions, is expected to increase negative scrutiny on the team and potentially have the team’s credibility questioned. Qatari football, meanwhile, has placed its faith in coach Felix Sanchez Bas, who has held the position from 2013. Players like Hassan Al-Haydos, Almoez Ali, AkramAfif and Abdelkarim Hasan have earned a prominent name in Asian football too, with Ali and Afif winning the Asian Footballer of the Year Award recently. It remains to be seen if the team can finally prove that it belongs to the World Cup.