In Australia, and indeed many other countries, it is stated as fact that soccer is a sport that embraces people of all races, cultures, gender and age. It is fact that when playing a game that these traits are invisible and all that matters is the ball.
It is a fact that the game allows one for that moment to escape the realities of real life and enter a life where they can be King (or Maharajah or Emperor) for a short period of time.
Are these so called facts actually facts. Do the words of the well-travelled, worldly soccer fans embrace these ideals?
If you believe the opposition to Qatar’s World Cup bid, you would assume that soccer is very much a western game that is using the ‘World Game’ moniker to portray a false image. FIFA, the FFA and Australian soccer fans so often tell us that the sport opens gateways to a world that tourist companies cannot imagine, and that your everyday Australian would insult with every bogan word possible.
Until Qatar made a decision recently to allow alcohol (outside of current alcohol allowances) and Israel at the World Cup, opponents were stating that it was simply unacceptable for such strict guidelines to be allowed in a host country. The ignorance is continuing with the likes of Jesse Fink who recently wrote: “Qatar has promised that fans will be able to drink alcohol in specially designated areas called ‘fan zones’ but corralling millions of people into ostensible cattle yards is hardly setting the scene for a month-long carnival of fun.
“The memories you take away from World Cups are not just of football but dining or drinking al fresco in squares packed with fellow tourists and locals and celebrating to the wee hours.”
Are these thoughts of an educated open-minded person?
With soccer the game that is so often said to break down barriers, should people not be accepting the fact that Qatari societal values simply do not allow alcohol and leave it at that? It is part of modern day Australian societal values that females cover up their top half, a value not seen in every country. Should Australia be pressured into allowing the Himba people of Northern Namibia to walk around in traditional dress?
Instead of criticising a bid that does not have similar values to our own, should we not be embracing the diversity that the world offers and the chance to experience global event in a brand new context?
An Islamic World Cup in hot climate with little alcohol and modest dress codes for women. Surely that would send the message that soccer truly is a world game that transcends all.
Forgetmenot
Roar Pro
Yes there are some aspects which definitely need to change, like womens rights and homosexuality. However there are many that do not have to change, which include alcohol bans, and the religion of the state.
Forgetmenot
Roar Pro
tbh ... ill probably try and attend that World Cup. I do have an ambition to make a world cup before i turn 30. Likewise for a superbowl, wimbledon final, and a number of other culturally significant events(for other countries of course).
Kafir
Guest
I find it hilarious that you suggest the entire world culture, not just "western" culture to be forced into Islamic Whabbist culture, one that is not accepting to the values of any other culture. Why do you think Qatar has a ban on alcohol on non-Muslims? Why do you think it took until 1999 before women were allowed to vote? Why is criticism of Islam, homosexuality and apostasy illegal in the country? It's simple. Sharia law, and frankly, no country that follows Sharia law needs respect. The fact that Qatar is considered one of the more liberal Arab states is telling. I also find it strange that the World Cup is being given to a country where only 300 000 people are actually Qataris, when the other 500 000 are all foreign workers.
Rob McLean
Roar Guru
Well, our man got his wish. Qatar 2022. I'm guessing you're already booking your tickets, hotels and flights Forgetmenot....
mushi
Guest
wow now if only you knew a little about the history of your own game you could provide a balanced comment.
Daniel
Guest
While it can be asserted that a sport which calls itself the world game needs to be able to integrate its showpeice event into a range of environments your mention of the fact that Qatar would (orignally) not allow Israel to compete counters this point. Surely you cannot be saying that we need to imbrace Radical Islam and Racism merely because a small fraction of the host nation beleive in such hostilities. I think that you need to clarify that your veiw of accepting Qatar for what she is does not include her racist and predjudicial policies AUSTRALIA 2022 dan
gawa
Guest
I read the article/potshot, to be honest I could not care a jot about Qatar culture. As someone who has been a football player and fan since I was old enough to walk all I hope for in the next week is that we Australia win the hosting rights to the World Cup. For the first time ever in Australia there is a professional league for fans of football or soccer (if you like) to show their support, a World Cup will give us the financial shot in the arm that is required. If not it's not the end of the world. Either way, for years to come people like myself who have moved to this wonderful country with a love for football now have an established league in place to follow and support. Whereas in previous generations football fans either gave up trying to follow a sport with almost zero respect and resources or simply followed one of the local ball sports to give them a sporting kick. I never imagined before coming to Australia just how scared the local codes are of any opposition no matter form it takes. But I guess they have to be when their entire sporting world revolves around one or two city's.
Aljay
Guest
This entire article is an AWESOME troll Respect : )
Ohmy
Guest
Yeah cause everyone who ever had a drink is a bogan right? Your right about football bringing together different cultures...but eveything else you said was a lie.
jimbo
Roar Guru
Thanks Zac, Just having a bit of fun with them , nothing serious - they all think I'm a paranoid soccer fanatic searching for the one armed Aussie Rules blogger Pip. Although, how did you allow an article with a heading "Fraudulent FIFA image" in it? I'd think that FIFA have some of the best libel lawyers in the world working for them. :)
Fussball ist unser leben
Roar Guru
Ian Noble Are you that naive that you think FIFA is the only business organisation that may have executives, who engage in unsavoury behaviour? Only last week, we heard of a subsidiary of the RBA that is being investigated by the AFP for engaging in corrupt behaviour. Can you point to any organisation that you know, for sure, is totally open and honest? I'm a Roman Catholic and I still cringe at the deceitful behaviour within some of the hierarchy within of my Organisation. I certainly don't know a single police force that is without any taint of corruption. I can point to every profession - medicine, the law, teachers, judges, social workers, politicians, the military - who have engaged in corrupt behaviour. As long as humans are involved in any decision, then the decision-making process will be open to all the frailties that afflict all human beings ... sometimes referred to as "the Seven Deadly Sins".
mahony
Guest
The "world game" moniker is uniquely Australian because it is near irrelevant elsewhere in the world where the word “football” is not so contested. This phrase also reflects our immigration 'back story' and a range of other socio-political issues that have raged in this country for over 100 years. It is interesting that I would never use the "S word" for the very reasons you do – namely it makes me cringe. So who has the cultural cringe, the English migrant or the 1st generation Aussie? Just because you missed the fight it does not mean it didn't happen, nor that many people weren’t hurt and that they continue to fight the right to have their code respected by people like you. Please don't take offence or “cringe” – just go away and enjoy the rugby and AFL that you have come to appreciate! We will do the same with the world game……..
mahony
Guest
One was found offering a vote for cash - the other was not. In respect of the Iberian / Qatar "pact" the investigation found insufficient evidence of any agreement to warrant further action. But hey, don't let the facts get in the way of a good yarn. I am not saying FIFA is not corrupt, but I am saying that you have no evidence and are speaking out the proverbial for your own reasons.... We don't know what they are becasue you fail to actually make a point whcih is itself more interersting than the claims you make.
mahony
Guest
Incorrect. FIFA would be very clear about this. Even if others are not.
mahony
Guest
To be fair mate - when typing your name I had to count the "a's" three times to be sure! lol....
Forgetmenot
Roar Pro
Thats an interesting perspective. But i maintain that a national event should be about discovering the culture that makes the country tick.
Forgetmenot
Roar Pro
Yes i find that quite annoying as well. As a non-victorian they should start the AFL history the year the first interstate team entered.
Forgetmenot
Roar Pro
It goes by both names. There is no other Uluru either so it is quite easy for everyone to call it that.
Forgetmenot
Roar Pro
It would have been useless as no-one would have read it (unless Qatar wins).
Forgetmenot
Roar Pro
i know plenty of models ... no need to buy a picture of some computer enhanced piece of plastic.