Football
Qatari World Cup organizers apologize to Danish TV crew
Qatari World Cup organizers have apologized to a Danish television station whose live broadcast from a street in Doha was interrupted by security staff who threatened to break camera equipment.
Journalists from the TV2 channel “were mistakenly interrupted” late on Tuesday evening, the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy acknowledged in a statement.
“Upon inspection of the crew’s valid tournament accreditation and filming permit, an apology was made to the broadcaster by on-site security before the crew resumed their activity,” organizers said.
Read more: FIFA World Cup 2022: All you need to know about Qatar's laws, customs
Reporter Rasmus Tantholdt was speaking live to a news anchor in Denmark when three men drove up behind him on an electric cart and tried to block the camera lens.
“You invited the whole world to come here, why can’t we film? It’s a public place,” Tantholdt was heard saying in English. “You can break the camera, you want to break it? You are threatening us by smashing the camera?”
The incident five days before the World Cup starts revisited a subject that has been sensitive for tournament organizers who have denied claims there are strict limits on where media can film in Qatar.
Qatari organizers said they later spoke to Tantholdt and also “issued an advisory to all entities to respect the filming permits in place for the tournament.”
Read more: Qatar Squad analysis for 2022 FIFA Football World Cup
Denmark’s soccer federation has also been one of the biggest critics of Qatar among the 32 World Cup teams over the emirate’s record on human rights and treatment of low-paid migrant workers. They were needed to build massive construction projects since FIFA picked Qatar as host in 2010.
Danish players will wear game jerseys that have a toned down badge and manufacturers’ logo as a protest in support of labor rights when they play France, Australia and Tunisia in Group D.
A third-choice black jersey option has been included as “the color of mourning,” for construction workers who have died in Qatar.
Ind Cup Football: Sheikh Jamal DC outplay BFF Elite Academy 3-0
Riding on a brilliant hattrick by Stewart Sheikh Jamal Dhanmondi Club started their campaign in the season's curtain raiser soocer meet, the Bashundhara Group Independent Cup Football 2022, with a comfortable 3-0 goals victory over BFF Elite Academy in a Group D match at the Shaheed Dhirendranath Dutta Stadium in Cumilla on Wednesday.
Dominican Republic forward Stewart completed the 3rd hattrick in the tournament scoring all the three goals in the 21st, 28th and 66th minutes.
Earlier Brazilian forward Dorielton and Robson Robinho made the tournament's 1st and 2nd hattricks for Bashundhara Kings against Youngmen's Club Fakirerpool.
Sheikh Jamal defender Tareq Mia got marching order in the match after receiving 2nd yellow card.
In the day's other Group C match at the Bir Shreshta Fl. Lt Matiur Rahman Stadium in Munshiganj, Bangladesh Police FC outplayed Rahmatganj Muslim Friends Society by 4-1 goal.
Bablu struck twice in the 10th and 16th minutes, Kumer Roy and Faysal netted one goal each in the 4th and 88th minutes respectively for the Police team while Abdullah scored the consolation goal for the old Dhaka outfit Rahmatganj MS in the 84th minute.
Argentina or Brazil: Which team's prospects look better in Qatar World Cup?
The last time a Latin American team won a World Cup competition was Brazil in the 2002 Korea-Japan event. So, it’s been 20 years since a South American team won a World Cup trophy. European teams' dominance may well be over this year, as both Argentina and Brazil are considered hot favorurites for Qatar World Cup. Let’s examine which team's prospects look better for winning the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
Argentina’s team tactics and key players
Argentina's biggest strength is their coach, Lionel Scaloni, who knows what it takes to get the best of their players. When Scaloni took over the head coaching role in 2018, the Argentine side was in disarray following a disappointing loss to France in the Round of 16 in Russia 2018. Scaloni had to make some tactical adjustments in order to get the results he wanted.
Read More: Argentina vs UAE: Pre-World Cup Match preview, possible line-up, where to watch live
Lionel Scaloni has made sure that Argentina remains rock solid in defense and creates an attack from behind. His plan soon started to work perfectly, and in the last two years, results have been in their favour. Argentina have remained unbeaten in 35 matches, winning two trophies (the Copa America 2021 and the 2022 Finalissima).
Under Scaloni, Argentina plays in 4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1 formations. Argentina's backline remains solid thanks to these two systems, and two wings should be able to go forward on the attack. Besides, the defensive midfielder and central midfielder are focal points for controlling the game.
Key Players
Argentina’s main weapon is Lionel Messi, who creates and scores goals. But he needs good support from the players. Rodrigo De Paul and Leandro Paredes are the two players who link up well with the Argentine genius playing in the midfield. Angel Di Maria, Lautaro Martinez, and Julian Alvarez will be key players upfront to make a solid attack on the opposition's defense. Besides, Romero, Lisandro Martinez, and Otamendi will be key players in the defense.
Brazil’s team tactics and key players
Brazil won the Copa America trophy under head coach Tite in the 2019 Copa America, but his side lost to arch-rivals Argentina 1-0 in the last year’s final at home. However, Brazil had a fantastic FIFA World Cup 2022 CONMEBOL qualification, finishing top with 45 points.
Brazil had a good preparation for the World Cup. They won by big margins against their opponents in friendly matches, showing their prowess in the attacking half. Their defense is also among the best in the world; opponents struggle to find the back of the net against Brazil's goalpost. Head coach Tite usually uses 4-4-2 or 4-2-3-1 formations to make the defense line strong. In this system, defenders, midfielders, and forwards all have to play important roles in going forward and defending with solidity.
Key players
Neymar Jr. will be Brazil's main attacking weapon. But he is not the only option for the Selecao; there are other options too. Vinicius Jr., Richarlison, Raphinha, Rodrygo, and Antony are all prolific and proven goal scorers. Veteran Casemiro will lead Brazil's midfield. Lucas Paqueta, Bruno Guimaraes, and Fabinho will play vital roles as well in midfield. Brazil have world-class defenders in Danilo, Marquinhos, and Eder Militao, and captain Thiago Silva will be in charge of keeping the defense disciplined.
Read More: Will Ronaldo return to Manchester United following the controversial interview?
Argentina’s route to the Qatar World Cup final 2022
Argentina will play in Group C, where they will meet Saudi Arabia on November 22, Mexico on November 26, and Poland on November 30. Argentina are expected to finish at the top of Group C.
Argentina will face Group D runner-up if they finish top in their group. In this scenario, they may face either Denmark or France in the Round of 16. They could face Senegal or the Netherlands in the quarterfinals. They could then face their archrivals, Brazil, in the semi-finals. Argentina’s opponent in the final could be France or Germany. These predictions are solely based on the team’s current form, FIFA rankings, and strength.
Brazil’s route to the Qatar World Cup final 2022
Brazil will play in Group G, where they will meet Serbia on November 24, Switzerland on November 28, and Cameroon on December 2. Brazil are expected to finish at the top of Group G.
Brazil will face Group H runner-up if they finish top in their group. In this scenario, they may face Portugal, Ghana, or Uruguay in the Round of 16. Germany, Spain, or Belgium could be their quarterfinal opponent and archrival. Argentina may meet them in the semifinals. Brazil may face off against Germany or France in the all-important final if they qualify.
Read More: Qatar Squad analysis for 2022 FIFA Football World Cup
Way Forward
Argentina haven’t lost a match in more than two years, while Brazil dominated the qualifiers and topped the competition. As a result, it is extremely difficult to distinguish between Brazil and Argentina in terms of who has a better chance of winning the upcoming mega event. Both teams are equally favourites to win the Qatar World Cup, which would end the recent World Cup drought for Latin American sides.
Women's Football: Bashundhara Kings beat Uttara FC 2-0 in opener
Bashundhara Kings started their campaign in the Bashundhara Group Women's Football League'2022 with 2-0 goal victory over Uttara Football Club in the opening match at the Bir Shrestha Shaheed Shipahi Mohammad Mustafa Kamal Sadium in Kamalapur on Tuesday.
National striker Sabina Khatun opened the Kings account in the 45+2 minute (1-0) while another national coloured forward Krishna Rani Sarkar confirmed the Kings victory scoring one more goal in the 77th minute (2-1).
Read more: SAFF U-15 Women's Champs: Bangladesh suffer 0-1 defeat against Nepal
In the day's other match, Ataur Rahman Bhuiyan College SC outplayed Siraj Smriti Sangsad by 4-0 goal at the same venue.
Aklima Khatun struck twice in the 18th and 29th minutes while Nowsin Jahan and Rupa added one goal each in the 68th and 88th minute respectively.
Read more: Bangladesh to host group matches of U-20 Women's Asian Cup
Ind Cup Football: Dhaka Abahani Ltd makes good start beating Uttara FC 2-0
Dhaka Abahani Limited made a good start in the season's curtain raiser soccer meet, the Bashundhara Group Independent Cup Football 2022 beating Uttara Football Club by 2-0 goal in a Group C match at the Bir Shreshta Fl. Lt Matiur Rahman Stadium in Munshiganj on Tuesday.
Brazilian forward Gertterson put Abahani KC ahead in the 34th minute (1-0) while Uttara FC defender Rakib Hossain doubled the Abahani margin scoring a suicidal goal in the 43rd minute (2-0).
Read more: Indy Cup Football: Navy reach final round eliminating Army
In the day's other Group C match, Bangladesh Muktijjoddha Sangsad KC outplayed Bangladesh Air Force team by 5-1 goal at the Shaheed Dhirendranath Dutta Stadium in Cumilla on Tuesday.
Faisal struck twice in the 44th and 90+3 minutes, Rabby, Sojib and Tajuddin scored one each for the freedom fighters’ team in the 28th, 69th and 90+4 minutes respectively.
Sumon scored the consolation goal for the Air Force team in the 76th minute.
Read more: Independence Cup Football: Air Force advance to final round
Argentina vs UAE: Pre-World Cup Match preview, possible line-up, where to watch live
Argentina will play their final preparatory match against the United Arab Emirates before starting their World Cup campaign against Saudi Arabia on November 22. All the players of the Albiceleste squad have already arrived after finishing their respective scheduled matches for their clubs before the World Cup. Let’s take a look at the match preview, probable team line-ups, and schedule of the Argentina vs UAE match.
Match Preview: Argentina vs UAE
Argentina are the third-ranked team and one of the strong favourites for the FIFA World Cup 2022. They have remained unbeaten in 35 matches and are well-prepared for the mega event. Argentina will start the match against the UAE side as favourites.
Read More: Will Ronaldo return to Manchester United following the controversial interview?
The United Arab Emirates, on the other hand, are the 70th-ranked team by FIFA. They failed to qualify for the World Cup, finishing third in the final round of qualification. The UAE's main goal from this contest will be to gain valuable experience by competing against one of the top teams.
Predicted team line-ups: UAE vs Argentina
Argentina’s ongoing unbeaten run has proven that they are one of the toughest sides to beat. Head coach Lionel Scaloni has a clear idea of what he wants from his team and deploys the players to get the desired results. In Wednesday's clash against the UAE, Scaloni may test some of his squad players.
Argentina’s probable starting XI GK: Emi Martinez; Defenders: Nahuel Molina, Nicolas Otamendi, Lisandro Martinez, Marcos Acuna; Midfielders: Guido Rodriguez, Leandro Paredes, Enzo Fernandez; Forwards: Paulo Dybala, Lisandro Martinez, Angel Di Maria
The United Arab Emirates' head coach, Argentine Rodolfo Martin Arruabarrena, can give some minutes to some of his young players to get some experience playing against a top side.
United Arab Emirates probable starting XI GK: Khasif; Al-Hashemi, Defenders: Al Hammadi, Al-Ahbabi, Ibrahim; Midfielders: Salmeen, Rashid, Hamad, Ramadan; Forwards: Canedo, Al-Maazmi
Argentina vs UAE match schedule
The match between Argentina and the UAE will kick off at 9.30 p.m. (Bangladesh Standard Time) on Wednesday (November 16). The game will be played at the Mohammed Bin Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi.
Read More: Qatar Squad analysis for 2022 FIFA Football World Cup
Argentina vs United Arab Emirates: Where to watch live
Which television network will broadcast the Argentina vs UAE match in Bangladesh is yet to be confirmed. But the fans can watch live online through Yalla Live TV.
Bottom Line
Both teams will be eager to put their fringe players to the test during the contest. However, the Albiceleste will take the Argentina vs UAE match as their final opportunity to get ready for the forthcoming FIFA World Cup 2022. Therefore, all eyes will be on them as coach Lionel Scaloni pays close attention to his team's performance against the United Arab Emirates.
Read More: Messi or Ronaldo: Who has better chance at leading team to FIFA World Cup win?
Will Ronaldo return to Manchester United following the controversial interview?
Cristiano Ronaldo is one of, if not the, most quintessential and opinion-dividing players in football history. From his apparent genius to his accentuating ego-driven antics off the field, it seems like Ronaldo has always been in the spotlight since the dawn of the internet. The Portuguese sensation has sparked a brand-new controversy while giving an interview with Piers Morgan, which raises concern about whether Ronaldo will ever return to Manchester United.
What controversial remarks did Cristiano Ronaldo make in Piers Morgan’s Uncensored?
Ronaldo, a truly sensational footballer and undoubtedly one of the greatest to ever play the game. He has kept himself in great shape throughout his career, always moving forward with the purpose of being the absolute best. But in the race to stay ahead of the curve, maybe the Portuguese sensation has forgotten the basics of it all.
Read More: Qatar Squad analysis for 2022 FIFA Football World Cup
Cristiano made some contentious remarks towards the Manchester United hierarchy, how they run the club, and the former and present head coach during the interview with Piers Morgan that were unacceptable for the majority.
Ronaldo’s concern over the club’s future
There is no denying Cristiano Ronaldo’s love for the club. He raised questions about the way the Glazers run arguably the most popular football club in the world.
“I love Man Utd, I love the fans, they’re always on my side. But if Manchester United want to do it different. They’ve to change many, many things.
Here the progress has been ZERO since Sir Alex Ferguson left the club.
I want the best for Manchester Utd. This is why I come, but you have some things inside the club that don’t help reach the top level as Man City, Liverpool and even now Arsenal.
Nothing changed since I left. The pool, the jacuzzi, even the gym, even some technology. Even the chefs who I appreciate, lovely people.
I thought I would see new technology, infrastructure. I saw things I saw when I was 20."
Those are some of the comments that have leaked from Cristiano Ronaldo's recent interview with Piers Morgan on his show, Piers Morgan Uncensored. Ronaldo has expressed his dissatisfaction with Manchester United's lack of progress through these statements. Although he is one of the highest-paid employees at the club, his disappointment with the lack of ambition at Manchester United can be justified.
Read More: Messi or Ronaldo: Who has better chance at leading team to FIFA World Cup win?
Cristiano's criticism towards former boss Ralf Rangnick
Ronaldo’s criticism of Manchester United’s hierarchy can be defended, but his disparagement of former head coach Ralf Rangnick can’t be justified.
"After Ole, they bring in sports directive Ralf Rangnick, which is something nobody understands. He is not even a coach.
A big club like Manchester United bringing in a sports directive surprised not only me but all the world.
If you're not a even a coach, how can you be the boss of Manchester United? I'd never even heard of him," said Ronaldo in his interview, showcasing his dislike for current Austrian national team manager Ralf Rangnick.
Keep in mind that Ralf Rangnick was appointed as interim manager due to his impressive record at German sides such as FC Schalke and RB Leipzig, with whom he is most synonymous. Although the appointment did not go as planned, Manchester United was praised at the time for hiring Rangnick, one of the modern game's pioneers.
One of the fathers of the pressing game in German, he has directly influenced the likes of Thomas Tuchel, Jurgen Klopp, Julian Nagelsmann, Hansi Flick, and many more. Ralf Rangnick had more than enough pedigree to succeed Ole Gunnar Solskjær, whose previous managerial experience included Molde in Norway and a relegation with Cardiff.
Read More: Meet Laeeb: Mascot of 2022 FIFA World Cup Football Tournament in Qatar
Ronaldo’s disrespect towards Erik ten Hag
The statement of Ronaldo's that ruffled the most feathers was the one he made about his current boss, Manchester United manager Erik Ten Hag.
Ronaldo said on the show, "I don't have respect for Erik ten Hag because he doesn't show respect for me.
If you don't have respect for me, I will never have any for you”.
Further referring to the Manchester United hierarchy he said, "Man United tried to force me out. Not only the manager, but also the other guys who are around the club. I felt betrayed.
I feel that some people didn’t want me at Manchester United, not only this year but last season too".
It is apparent from Ronaldo’s remarks that his sentiment towards the people working at Manchester United is filled with animosity. Although understandable, it is by no means an acceptable or justified stance that Cristiano holds. Pundits all over the globe echo our view, as most, if not all, reputed personnel who are linked with the game have criticized the all-time great.
Read More: FIFA World Cup 2022: Argentina’s confirmed squad
How important is Ronaldo in Erik ten Hag’s system?
It's easy to see why Ronaldo made such remarks during the show. Manchester United as a team no longer rely on him week in and week out, and he is no longer an important player at the club.
Last season, he scored 18 goals in 27 league starts. This season, his numbers have plummeted. With a meager 4% conversion rate, he has only scored one goal in the Premier League in 525 minutes. Cristiano's two goals and two assists in the Europa League bring his total to five goals in 1055 minutes across all competitions.
A poor record for any player, and one that, by the standards he has set for himself, is unacceptable for Ronaldo.With his massive drop-off, Erik Ten Hag has unsurprisingly opted for younger and better-performing players in his position, such as Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial, both of whom have performed better than the Portuguese this season.
If you take his comments about being forced out of the club, let me take you back to the summer window, where Ronaldo expressed a keen desire for a transfer in order to play Champions League football. Something that did not happen because no club was interested in taking his huge wages, forcing CR7 to stay at Old Trafford.
Read More: 5 players who can win the Golden Boot at Qatar World Cup
Manchester United’s response to Ronaldo's criticism
It is easy to understand that Ronaldo's subsequent lack of gametime is due to the greater good of the club rather than personal hostility or enmity. Something, Ronaldo hasn't taken in good faith as it seems.
As the interview was conducted, Ronaldo was on apparent sick leave, and Manchester United found out about it while traveling home from their 2-1 win at Fulham. The club has subsequently released a statement, which said:
"The club will consider its response after the full facts have been established.
Our focus remains on preparing for the second half of the season and continuing the momentum, belief and togetherness being built among the players, manager, staff, and fans."
Read More: FIFA World Cup: 5 players who can win the Golden Ball in Qatar
Way Forward
It is clear that Ronaldo has done what he's done in order to get what is best for himself, not Manchester United. The issue about the lack of progress behind the scenes at United has been raised by other members of the football community as well, such as former manager Jose Mourinho, Ralf Rangnick, and former player Zlatan Ibrahimovic, to name a few, but it has not been done in this way.
Going out and trying to justify your disrespect for your manager is something no other footballer on the planet could do. Cristiano Ronaldo may think that he is bigger than the club at present, but everyone around the club would strongly disagree with that.
It is sad to see the legacy that Cristiano Ronaldo will now leave behind at the stadium of dreams if he can manage to get away in January. The darling of Red Devils fans, the apple of Sir Alex Ferguson's eye—all of that is gone in 90 minutes with Piers Morgan, and Ronaldo may not even go back to Manchester United following the controversial interview.
Qatar Squad analysis for 2022 FIFA Football World Cup
FIFA World Cup football is going to be held in Qatar for the first time in the Middle East. As hosts, Qatar is playing without playing the qualifiers. 79 different countries participated in the 92-year history of the previous 21 World Cups. However, this is the first time Qatar to participate in the World Cup, which has never qualified for the World Cup. Qatar is considered the weakest team in the World Cup because they will play for the first time and have never appeared in World Cup. Let's take a look at the Qatar Squad in World Cup Football tournament.
Qatar Team Announced for Football World Cup
Table: Qatar Squad for World Cup
Role
Players
Goalkeeper
Saad Al Sheeb (Al-Sadd), Meshaal Barsham (Al-Sadd), Yousuf Hassan (Emirates Club)
Defender
Pedro Miguel (Al-Sadd), Musaab Khidir (Al-Sadd), Tarek Salman (Al-Sadd), Bassam Al Rawi (Al-Duhail), Khoukhi Boualem (Al-Sadd), Abdelkarim Hassan (Al-Sadd), Ismael Mohammed (Al-Duhail), Homam Al Amin (Al-Gharafa)
Midfoelder
Jassim Jabir (Al-Waab), Ali Asad (Al-Sadd), Mohammed Waad (Al-Sadd), Salem Al Hajri (Al-Sadd), Assim Modibo (Al-Duhail), Mustafa Meshaal (Al-Sadd), Karim Boudiaf (Al-Duhail), Abdulaziz Hatim (Al-Rayyan), Naif Alhadhrami (Al-Rayyan)
Forward
Hassan Al-Haydos (Al-Sadd), Akram Afif (Al-Sadd), Almoez Ali (Al-Duhail), Mohammed Muntari (Al-Duhail), Ahmed Alaa (Al-Gharafa), Khalid Muneer (Al-Wakrah).
Read More: Brazil Team Analysis for 2022 World Cup in Qatar
The Qatar Football Federation has announced a 26-man squad for the dream World Cup tournament at home.
Current Barcelona coach Xavi Hernandez was their first choice in Qatar’s coach list for World Cup preparations. However, without him, under another Spanish, Felix Sanchez, Qatar has been preparing in secret for the past two months.
Qatar’s national league has paused since mid-September to have a preliminary and intensive pre-World Cup training camp. Besides playing friendly matches against Jamaica, Canada, Chile, and Albania, the national team is training in Vienna and Marbella, Austria.
Read More: 10 Smart TVs Under Tk50000 in Bangladesh to Watch World Cup Matches
The Qataris started preparing for the World Cup several years ago and have already played friendly matches with 10 European countries. However, despite such hard preparation, they recently lost 2-0 to Canada, another weak team in the World Cup.
In their last friendly match against Chile, who have not got a chance in this World Cup on September 27, Qatar made a 2-2 draw. Only time will tell how much the draw will energize them. To prepare for World Cup, they have played against teams of all strengths all over the world.
Qatar Squad Analysis for the FIFA World Cup
Most of the footballers who play in Qatar’s various clubs are in the World Cup squad. Almoez Ali, the joint top goal scorer for Qatar, is apparently in the squad. He has scored 42 goals, equal to Mansoor Mufta for the country. Hassan Al-Haydos, who has played the most matches (146 games) for Qatar, is also in the squad.
Read More: 5 Host Cities of FIFA Qatar World Cup 2022: A Travel Guide
Qatar’s World Cup squad has 5 players, including Abdelkarim Hassan, Hassan Al-Haydos, Karim Boudiaf, Abdulaziz Hatim, and Boualem Khoukhi, who have already played more than 100 international matches.
Many of the players on the team have experience working with the current coach on the U-19 and U-23 teams. However, the team’s success will depend on center-back Bassam Al-Rawi, left-winger Homam Al-Amin and two forwards, Akram Afif and Almoez Ali.
Team Format
The Qataris are practicing in 3-5-2 and 5-3-2. With the 3-5-2 system, the team is practicing keeping the ball in possession and working on how to play the counterattack in the 5-3-2 system. But the real thing is to see what they do off the pitch.
Read More: Technologies set to amaze at Qatar Football World Cup 2022
Key Players
Although most Qatari players don’t play in any leagues out of their country, the domestic league has produced some international-level players. In this World Cup, Qatar fans will have eyes on two key players of the team. The team’s performance will mostly depend on the attacker Akram Afif and defender Bassam Al Rawi.
Akram Afif, forward
Forward Akram Afif has returned to form at the right time. However, his consistency has been hampered by injuries, but he has hinted in recent friendlies that he is primed for the World Cup. He is a dynamic forward, and, on his day, Afif can beat any defender.
He is regarded as one of the best players in Asia. After winning the league title with Al Sadd in 2020, his former coach Xavi Hernandez said he was an incredible talent and a great player.
Read More: World Cup Football 2022 jerseys: Where to buy online in Bangladesh
Bassam Al Rawi, Defender
As the central pillar of the defense, Al Duhail’s Bassam Al-Rawi has a lot of responsibility on his shoulders. However, this center-back can be a threat to any team during set pieces and can be the savior of Qatar, paving the way for them to score. Although he is not tall, quite a fighter and will help the team out of danger with persistence when the team is under pressure.
Final Words
Qatar will start the tournament with a match against Ecuador. The hosts’ other two opponents are Senegal and the Netherlands. They will play against Senegal on November 25 and against the Dutch on November 29.
The Qatar team’s challenge will be to get through the group stage. In the long history of the World Cup, only South Africa has a bad record of not being able to pass the group stage despite being the host. And Qatar has two strong opponents in their group, which will put some pressure on the hosts.
Read More: 8 Stadiums of FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022
German fans call for boycott of Qatar World Cup
Germany’s professional soccer leagues have been marked by widespread protests against the World Cup in Qatar, with rival fans joining forces to condemn FIFA corruption and human rights abuses in the Gulf Arab country.
On Sunday, before the last Bundesliga game ahead of the league’s extended two-month winter break, Freiburg fans behind one goal held a huge banner with the words, “Boycott Qatar.”
Other large banners highlighted alleged injustices in the country, while it seemed almost every supporter in the 34,700-capacity stadium held an individual sign calling for a boycott of the tournament, seven days before it was due to begin.
Mainz fans also called for a boycott during their team’s draw with Eintracht Frankfurt.
They were the final protests after weeks of public displays across stadiums against the tournament controversially awarded to Qatar by FIFA amid allegations of vote-buying in 2010.
“It was wrong and it’s still wrong,” Bernd Beyer of the “Boycott Qatar 2022” initiative told The Associated Press on Sunday. “The fans do not identify with it and are saying they don’t want to have anything to do with it, but they are actively criticizing it and not just switching off.”
Beyer said the fans were partly spurred by developments across international soccer, where money is playing an increasingly important role.
“All professional soccer is becoming more and more commercial. That’s just something you don’t identify with,” Beyer said. “And, of course, the same thing is happening in Qatar now. The decision is wrong because Qatar is a country where human rights don’t apply, where migrant workers are heavily exploited, where homosexuality is forbidden.”
Beyer, a Cologne and Borussia Dortmund supporter, was keen to stress that the protests were driven organically by supporter groups and had not been coordinated by his own initiative, which has been documenting the protests on Twitter and has received inquiries from supporters in Spain and France who also want to demonstrate against the tournament.
Hertha Berlin fans displayed a giant “Boycott Qatar” banner during their team’s win over Cologne on Saturday, with another sign saying “No Herthaner will watch the World Cup in Qatar.” Individual supporters held boycott signs.
The week before, during the team’s game against Bayern Munich, Hertha fans slammed the tournament’s impact on the climate, Qatar’s persecution of LGBTQ+ rights and disregard for human rights.
Hertha and Bayern supporters displayed banners saying organizers should be ashamed due to the high number of migrant deaths associated with the competition.
Augsburg fans backed the call for a boycott while displaying a banner with a line through the logo of the German soccer federation (DFB). “Do like the federations, don’t look. #BoycottQatar22,” Augsburg banners said during Bochum’s visit on Saturday.
Augsburg supporters also criticized World Cup ambassador Khalid Salman for his recent homophobic comments, telling him, “Your World Cup is haram!”
Salman, a former Qatari national team player, told public broadcaster ZDF that being gay is “haram,” or forbidden in Arabic, and that he has a problem with children seeing gay people.
Bayern fans referred to Salman’s comments on Tuesday during Werder Bremen’s visit with a banner saying: “Damaged mind? (expletive) you, Khalid & Co.”
There were general protests during second-division games between Hamburger SV and Heidenheim, and Fortuna Düsseldorf vs. Kaiserslautern, this weekend.
“Anyone who watches even one World Cup game is complicit in tens of thousands of deaths!” said one banner from Heidenheim fans.
Qatari officials have consistently pushed back against a figure of 6,500 migrant deaths reported by the British newspaper The Guardian. It is unclear exactly how many workers were killed helping Qatar get ready to host the tournament.
Werder Bremen fans said Saturday the number of deaths is higher than the number of playing minutes at the 32-team competition, which they described as “soccer’s biggest crime to date.”
Borussia Mönchengladbach fans on Friday displayed banners criticizing the “FIFA mafia.”
Hannover supporters displayed banners calling for a boycott during their team’s win over Düsseldorf on Tuesday and said Germany’s national team has “blood on your cleats (boots).”
The previous weekend, Dortmund fans unfurled numerous banners before their team’s game against Bochum criticizing Qatar’s human rights, mourning the loss of soccer’s morals and urging TV viewers not to watch the tournament.
Kaiserslautern and Nuremberg were also united in their condemnation of the tournament during their game.
At several stadiums, calls for a World Cup boycott were accompanied by flyers giving an outline of the alleged situation in Qatar and reasons for taking a stand against it. Supporters of Bayern, Hertha, Gladbach and 1860 Munich all distributed flyers.
“There’s a clear indication that we don’t want to enjoy a World Cup like this,” Beyer told the AP. “What you see in the stadiums is just the most spectacular sign from the fans, these banners and slogans. But during the World Cup many groups in many cities are putting on their own events, their own tournaments, showing old soccer films and so on … It will show a different culture actively opposed to this commercial culture.”
Greuther Fürth coach Alexander Zorniger isn’t a fan of the tournament, either.
“Happy Christmas to you all, happy World Cup, nonsense World Cup,” Zorniger said after his team’s final game of the year on Sunday.
Also read: Barcelona joins Qatar World Cup boycott; will not host public viewings
Man United respond to Ronaldo's comments in Piers Morgan interview
Manchester United says it is trying to establish the full facts behind Cristiano Ronaldo’s explosive interview with Piers Morgan.
The Portugal great said he did not respect manager Erik ten Hag and that he felt “betrayed.”
So far, only excerpts have been released and United says it will wait before deciding its next step.
“Manchester United notes the media coverage regarding an interview by Cristiano Ronaldo,” said the Premier League club. “The club will consider its response after the full facts have been established.
“Our focus remains on preparing for the second half of the season and continuing the momentum, belief and togetherness being built among the players, manager, staff and fans.”
Ronaldo conducted the interview with Piers Morgan Uncensored and was critical of Ten Hag, who has left him out on a number of occasions this season.
“I don’t have respect for him because he doesn’t show respect for me,” he said. “If you don’t have respect for me, I’m never gonna have respect for you.”
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