Qatar 2022

In my opinion, European leagues should adjust their schedules to incorporate a winter break for the 22/23 season such that the 2022 FIFA World Cup can take place in Qatar.

This is not the opinion I took to Brazil with me but my experiences here have caused a change of mind.To be clear; FIFA is corrupt, unethical and must improve. Yes, it\’s a not for profit, sporting organization which, typically, shouldn\’t necessarily need governmental regulation. But it\’s size and sphere of influence is too large for it to remain so. If it can\’t behave itself it should be monitored, regulated and held to account. Others will be better placed than me to answer the tricky question of who should control FIFA and under what auspices.

But for all FIFA\’s shortcomings, and as we\’ve seen in Brazil, football is a force for good, bringing peoples and nations together, and it\’s growth should be encouraged. For me, that means preferentially giving the honor of hosting the World Cup to less powerful footballing nations, such as, S Africa as the representative of all Africa in 2010. And, yes, Qatar, as the representative of all the Arab nations for 2022. The Cup would strengthen bridges between the Arabic and Western Worlds by giving the Arabs, as hosts, and the rest of us, as visitors, the opportunity to see each other in a positive light.The impediments to Qatar such as the furnace like summer temperatures, can and should be overcome. Arabs love football – consider Algeria\’s and Iran\’s enthusiastic and emotional participation here in Brazil. They should be given the chance to show they can successfully host this global event. A World Cup in Qatar \’22 would a real force for good.

I\’m not so naive as to think that FIFA\’s motives are as benevolent as mine. Their objective is undoubtedly to expand their influence, grow their market but, of course, as a \”not for profit\”, not make any profit. But having seen the force of football at work in Brazil, I wonder if, in this case, the end may justify the means. Let\’s get FIFA under control. At the very least let\’s be open about the preference for developing world bids so that rich, established countries such as USA, UK, Germany, don\’t waste time submitting bids with no chance of success. But that shouldnt be a reason to re-bid the hosting of 2022

Qatar December 2022. Pack your sunscreen!