Focusing Accountability on FIFA Amid Ethical Concerns

The 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar brings with it a stark juxtaposition: thrilling football action overshadowed by ethical dilemmas. The Premier League takes a pause, while players head to a nation where LGBTQ+ rights are suppressed, women face severe legal repercussions in assault cases, and countless migrant workers have lost their lives in harsh conditions since Qatar was awarded the tournament.

For fans, navigating this event has become a moral tightrope. From boycotting to reluctantly tuning in, the conflict lies between enjoying the sport and acknowledging the human rights abuses behind the spectacle. Each migrant worker is more than a statistic—they are individuals with families and dreams, tragically cut short.

While the tournament proceeds, the focus should shift to FIFA, whose decision-making and governance brought the World Cup to Qatar. Fans and the global community must pressure the organization for reforms to ensure future tournaments prioritize ethical considerations alongside football.