Finally, a great message from the boss of Fifa Gianni Infantino, who has taken the pain to write to all the 32 nations competing in the Qatar World Cup, urging them to “let football take the stage’.
An unusual plea indeed and in his letter, Infantino attempts to defuse concerns over the running of the game.
He says there are many challenges and difficulties of a political nature all around the world, in an attempt to deflect criticism about Qatar and the problems other countries and some NGOs or right groups perceive as inherent to the Muslim nation.
Rightfully so, Infantino says football should not be expected to have an answer to every one of the political and social problems that crop up around the world.
Regarding concerns over the safety of travelling fans in the country he reiterates a promise that “everyone is welcome regardless of origin, background, religion, gender, sexual orientation or nationality”, a more detailed commitment than that currently made by the hosts.
Why so much focus on safety when Qatar is known to be a safe nation to visit, no one knows.
Nevertheless, his message is aimed at the nations that are planning protests during the game or countries that have football stars who want to make a political statement during the matches.
Meanwhile, in Qatar things are moving at a rapid pace with the sounds of building work and heavy machinery still filling the air.
Video displays in the capital city of Qatar are displaying the countdown to the start of the competition that will put the wealthy Gulf state at the centre of the sporting world.
Fifa is urging the nations involved not to focus on the problems internal to the country but to give the most beautiful game a chance to show what the stars are made of, certainly after two harrowing years of lockdowns, deaths and fears of infections from one of the deadliest viruses the world has known.
The Fifa World Cup is to kick off in less than three weeks. Being the most prestigious sports and international event in the world, it will bring a lot of attention to Qatar.
But certainly, most of the fans will shun the criticism against the country and would want to keep watching the games, though they are not unaware that things could be better for some in the Emirates.
But the thing is, it will be the month of football soon and people want to watch great games, great goals while the stars get to showcase their talent and grit on the hot pitches in Qatar.
Since he took over as Fifa boss, Infantino has frequently says the country will deliver the “best ever” Fifa World Cup as well as arguing that the presence of the world’s most popular sporting event will help bring about lasting change in the country.
Qatar’s Population Increase due to the Fifa World Cup
On another note, Qatar’s population grew by 13.2 percent in 2021, as the country hired thousands of foreign workers in preparation for the World Cup 2022, which Doha will host in November.
Qatar’s population reached 2.94 million in September, according to data released by the Planning and Statistics Authority, after 370,000 people arrived in the country last year, the majority of whom were migrant workers.
There are approximately 380,000 Qatari citizens, with the remainder of the population consisting of low to medium-income migrant workers and some high earners with residency and working visas.
Qatar has spent $229 billion to construct highways, seven football stadiums, hotels, skyscrapers, and infrastructure in preparation for hosting the World Cup in 2022.
Stories related to the FIFA World Cup here.