Holding the World Cup in Qatar is wrong but it’s still important to watch the finals.

The FIFA World Cup finals starts on Sunday 20 November 2022. Did you know that more people watch it than any other sporting event in the world? Even more than the Olympic Games.

The Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) organises the World Cup every four years. The most successful team is Brazil who have won the competition 5 times.

FIFA’s motto is ‘For the Game. For the World’, but for the this years tournament being held in Qatar, in seems like some of the people of the world will not be welcomed in the country.

Bribery and corruption allegations have surrounded Qatar’s bidding process to host the World Cup and politicians, activists and footballers have objected to the country’s human rights record, its treatment of migrant workers and the LGBTQ+ community, their limited football history, the high expected cost and also the climate.

The World Cup is usually held in June and July, but due to their hot climate, the decision was made to move it to November and December. In June 2022, a year-high temperature of 48°C (118°F) was recorded. Fixtures staged in the afternoon in Qatar are expected to be played with temperatures around 90°F (33°C), games in the evening kick off of 10 p.m. are likely to be played at around 79°F (26°C).

Football is a global sport that is loved by millions, no matter of their gender, race, age, sexuality or religion, something that the World Cup should be all about. Those millions of people can still enjoy the games from the comfort from their own home, but those fans who will travel to Qatar, some people will be stopped from disclosing what they believe in and enjoying doing.

Homosexuality is illegal in Qatar and although private life is largely respected, any intimacy between persons in public can be considered offensive, regardless of gender, sexual orientation or intent.

In the English premier league, alcohol can currently be consumed before a game starts and during half-time. Unlike previous World Cup tournaments, the availability of alcohol will be very different. Alcohol is currently only available to visitors at licensed hotel restaurants and bars and will not be served in football stadiums.

Unfortunately offensive behaviour, such as swearing and making rude gestures, by football fans has been part of the game for decades. However, in Qatar any of these are considered obscene acts and offenders can be jailed and/or deported.

Fans are also advised to be aware of cultural sensitivities when filming or photographing people at religious, military and construction sites. People have been arrested before for attempting to film or photograph in sensitive areas.

Football brings people together. Men, especially, need it as a form of release. For men who have a mental health illness, football can be a much needed distraction from their dark thoughts and worries. It can lift spirits, especially when your team wins.

Even in the case of dementia, patients are encouraged to watch re-runs of their favourite historic football games. This can trigger memories and evokes emotions, not just about that particular game, but other personal activities that occurred in that particular time of their lives.

During the coronavirus crisis back in 2020 and 2021, the national lockdown restrictions meant that we all had to minimise time spent outside our homes. At some points it was against the law to meet socially with family or friends unless they were part of your household or support bubble. Many people took to watching boxsets and films to pass the time and football was no exception.

‘Positive stress’, is a positive health benefit, it’s similar to a moderate cardiovascular workout. If your team is successful, watching your team win also results in the lowering of blood pressure. It improves your mood, psychologically for at least 24 hours. On the flip side a loss resulted in an extended period of low mood and depression.

As the founder of ‘For Men To Talk’ I love football. I love the togetherness that the sport brings. Many people do not agree in holding the World Cup in a country that still has very old fashioned beliefs that shows prejudices against certain groups of people. I am one of those people. The finals should of never been considered in Qatar until every single person can be welcomed.

We can’t change that now, but I will still be watching the World Cup finals and I will be supporting England throughout the tournament. 

I just hope that moving forward and FIFA’s motto of ‘For the Game. For the World’ will be considered when choosing a country to host future tournaments and that any person, no matter of their gender, race, age, sexuality or religion, is included.

C’Mon England!