Qatar has its own laws, values, standards, practices and religious influences. They’re fully entitled to.
FIFA knew exactly what they were getting when they approved Qatar, with regards to LGBT and alcohol. So any issues this presents are the responsibility of FIFA.
In my opinion, the World Cup should only be hosted by a country which is accommodating and welcoming to all.
But now that the World Cup event is with Qatar, it’s down to individuals to decide whether they want to go. If they do go, they have to be compliant and respectful of Qatar’s ways and laws, or rightly face the consequences.
Qatar clearly wants to open itself up more to the world. Therefore this World Cup could lead to a future softening of their approach to LGBT. Let’s see.
With regards to their reported maltreatment of migrant workers, this isn’t a well kept secret. So again, the footballers, teams, fans, politicians etc., have had plenty of time to examine their own consciences. In my opinion it’s a bit hypocritical to make a noise about the issue yet still attend. If they were sincere they wouldn’t attend. But instead they do attend and merely espouse a few soft platitudes so they can be seen to be on the side of the disadvantaged. That’s disingenuous in my opinion.
Now that the World Cup is with Qatar and well attended by countries and fans, the moaning about LGBT etc is too little and too late. Now that teams are there it’s a case of getting on with it and embracing the tournament. You can’t be half-baked about it. Everyone had a choice - to go, or not go. Anyone there who starts making gestures is a complete and utter hypocrite. That includes the England squad.
They’ve been getting down on a knee. But they have all too willingly headed to Qatar. They captains of various teams wanted to wear a ‘one love’ armband in some supposed show of solidarity with the LGBT community. Well I’m sorry, that’s pathetic. If they were at all genuine, they wouldn’t have attended.