Ever since Qatar won the bid to host the 2022 World Cup, both the awarding of the decision and the country itself have faced intense scrutiny. Allegations of corruption within FIFA have been slung around, and now, FIFA has stated that it would support a revote on the 2022 World Cup should investigations reveal that bribes and internal corruption played an issue in Qatar winning the bid.
There have been many cultural and societal issues that have been dealt with by the Qatari government, such as the fact that Qatar does not recognize the sovereignty of Israel; however, the Qatari government has stated that, should Israel qualify, it will be able to play.
Along with that are the Qatari bans on both alcohol and homosexuality. Qatar has lifted the ban for drinking during the games, though homosexuality has remained taboo. FIFA President Sepp Blatter stated that people should 'refrain from homosexual activity' should they be in the country; he later apologized for the remark. Qatar is one of many nations that maintain the death penalty for homosexuality, and gay rights groups have been outspoken opponents of the country's appointment since it won the bid.
Slave-like conditions have been reported for the workers employed in the development of the stadia being built around Qatar, and worker's rights groups have vehemently investigated and shown that, not only are safe work practices being neglected, but wages are far too low in comparison to Qatar's gross domestic product, or simply nonexistent.
Recently, it was found that former FIFA vice president Jack Warner was paid $1.2 million, along with a total of $750,000 to his sons. The payments originated from a Qatari company, Kemco, which is owned by Mohammed bin Hammam, the former FIFA executive for Qatar. Warner resigned from FIFA in 2011 amid allegations of corruption, and is now being investigated by the FBI with the help of one of his sons. Bin Hammam was expelled from FIFA, though that ruling was overturned in 2012 due to lack of evidence.
Michael Garcia, FIFA's chief investigator for its ethics committee, is set to present a report to FIFA's executive committee next week, which could initiate the revote if it is found that bribery played a part in Qatar's bid victory. Curiously enough, he hasn't requested documents obtained by several newspapers that seemingly indict the parties under investigation.
Don't start reserving seats in Qatar's stadia yet. Should Qatar escape this quagmire scot-free, however, have the SPF 2000 at the ready. Qatar's summer temperatures rise above 122 Fahrenheit (50 Celsius).
This article is copyrighted by Travelers Today, the travel news leader
