The controversy surrounding the World Cup in Qatar has been going on for a long time.
The host country of this year's World Cup is under scrutiny for its history of human rights abuses, as well as the conditions surrounding the event, such as the injustice faced by migrant workers, who were responsible for building the World Cup stadium. Same-sex relationships are illegal in the country and can lead to up to 3 years in prison.
The integrity of the global event has been put in question by these circumstances. The practice of countries hosting major events for the sake of cultivating influence, improving reputation, and distraction from a country's condemned humanitarian or environmental practices has been accused of being perpetuated by the state ofQatar.
On the eve of the World Cup, Infantino used his speech to declare European critics of the tournament hypocritical in their demands for human rights. Football's history of priotising money over human rights has been written about by others.
The crux of the issue has not been overshadowed by this ongoing back andforth. The U.N.'s Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights were adopted by the world's soccer governing body. Protests have taken place both on the pitch and off, as a result of the criticisms towards the governing body of football.
Protests against this year's World Cup can be found here.
Germany players cover their mouths during the Qatar World Cup match between Germany and Japan. Credit: Dean Mouhtaropoulos / Getty Images
The Germany players covered their mouths with their hands during a team photo before their World Cup opener against Japan. It was a sign that we wanted to convey. Head coach Hansi Flick said that they wanted to convey the message that the world's governing body was shutting them down.
The team's action came days after the team was banned from wearing rainbow armbands by the sport's world governing body. The OneLove campaign was started by the Dutch Football Association to fight discrimination while emphasizing unity and a shared love for football among fans. The band has an array of colors, like a rainbow, and a heart, similar to symbols associated with the rights of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and queer community.
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While playing in a country that criminalises same-sex relationships, many teams wanted to wear the band as a message of solidarity. "No item (of playing kit or other clothing or equipment or otherwise) may be worn or used in any controlled area if FIFA considers that it is dangerous, offensive or indecent." OneLove bands appear to be included in this.
The captains of the teams were asked to create bands for the social campaign. "Football unite the world", "Save ThePlanet," and "NoDiscrimination" are some of the slogans featured in these bands.
The German team used their captain's armband to take a stand for their values of diversity and mutual respect. Denying us the right to speak is the same thing as denying us the right to vote. We don't change our position.
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Germany, along with England, Belgium, Netherlands, Switzerland, and other European nations, withdrew from wearing the bands. The German football association is going to take legal action.
The OneLove armbands have sold out.
A rainbow flag with the Wales' blazon at the Al Saad SC in Doha during the Qatar 2022 World Cup. Credit: NICOLAS TUCAT/AFP via Getty Images
Wales displayed rainbow flags at their training base in Qatar to show their support for the gay community. The team was planning on sporting OneLove bands, but they weren't allowed to do so.
David Beckham during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 match between England and IR Iran at Khalifa International Stadium. Credit: Richard Sellers / Getty Images
David Beckham is drawing criticism from human rights activists, fans, and celebrities for his role as an ambassador for the World Cup in the Middle East. Beckham's decision to be sponsored by Qatar caused a backlash.
If Beckham didn't step down from his role before the World Cup, British comedian Joe Lycett would shred ten grand. Lycett appeared to shred the sum in a video posted online, but the ex- footballer didn't do it. The money was donated to charities that support the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and queer (LPL) community.
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Beckham was praised for being a "gay icon" because he was the first professional footballer to be featured on the cover of a gay magazine.
The fall of David Beckham's star has been very fast. Being an advocate for women's rights, immigrant workers' rights, and any human rights should not be lip service.
It is not a trend to increase a person's visibility. Human rights are not a fashion statement to make in order to get coverage in the style pages of tomorrow's magazines.
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Iranian fans hold signs of solidarity for those protesting. Credit: Evrim Aydin / Anadolu Agency / Getty Images
The political messaging on the pitch continued with Iran's team declining to sing their national anthem before their game with England. In solidarity with the anti-government protests in their home country, the action was taken. Amini was arrested in Tehran for not covering her hair. The UN's top human rights body is going to investigate after protesters were met with brutal force.
Fans holding signs with the words "woman, life, freedom" cheered on the Iran's football team in the stadium. The captain of the team, Ehsan Hajsafi, told reporters before the game that the conditions in the country are not good.
During the World Cup, this article will be updated frequently.
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