By Amelie S.
As you may know, the World Cup is currently happening in Qatar. But, there is some dispute about the World Cup being hosted in Qatar. This is because of bribing, worker abuse, and many more problems.
Bribing Problems
There are rumors that Qatar bribed Michel Platini for the World Cup to be hosted in Qatar. According to an NPR article, Platini and Qatar deny this, but there is an investigation showing a $2,000,000 payment between the two. Apparently, Platini also got arrested for this action. Even the FIFA president agreed that it was suspicious that Qatar won. He thinks they bribed for the place as well.
Worker Abuse
Qatar is basically in the middle of the desert. They have very hot summers, and an arid, mild climate. In 2010, when Qatar was chosen to hold the 2022 World Cup. Thousands of foreign workers have died building many stadiums to hold the matches. During the summers, workers had to work in heat that could be 110 degrees Fahrenheit and above. Although their wages were high, about $100+ per hour, it was very hard, demanding work.
Geographical Problems
Qatar is also a very small country. According to The World Factbook, it is 11,586 sq km (4473.38 sq mi) and is a bit smaller than Connecticut. Even the state of Florida has more land and a larger population than Qatar. Although Qatar is one of the richest countries, it is also one of the smallest. They also have many environmental issues as well.
Here are some people’s opinions:
The World Cup should not be hosted in Qatar because it will overpopulate the country. The country of Qatar is too small for big things like the World Cup to be hosted in. Qatar definitely bribed its way into the World Cup because normally, things like that are hosted in bigger countries such as Tokyo. Qatar was barely prepared for the World Cup.”
Jenna B.
The World Cup should not be hosted in Qatar because it has a lot of suspicious activity. Other than that, I don’t care for the World Cup that much.”
Zoey G.
It was a shady process getting the World Cup to Qatar with bribing and stuff. There are also lots of human rights problems with the workers and construction. Overall, I love the World Cup.”
Mr. T