Latest editorial
The Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani point to the World Cup trophy in a panel during the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, Monday, May 23, 2022
AT THE end of November, men’s domestic football leagues worldwide will be suspended to make way for the Fifa World Cup in Qatar, a month-long tournament featuring 32 national teams who have qualified from their respective regions.
You do not have to be a football supporter to know that holding the competition in the tiny Gulf dictatorship has been shrouded in controversy ever since they were awarded it in 2010 amid widespread allegations of corruption during the bidding process.
There is no doubt that Qatar is uniquely unsuited to holding an event of this nature.
Joao Pedro’s emotional goals against Fluminense captured the magic of an international club competition. But even as fans bring colour and passion, the Club World Cup’s deeper issues loom large, writes JAMES NALTON
