Qatar's 2022 World Cup Continues To Be Criticized, FIFA President Pasang Badan

FIFA President, Gianni Infantino. (Photo: Screenshot of the Presidential Secretariat Youtube)

JAKARTA - The 2022 World Cup in Qatar has received criticism from a number of parties. This cannot be separated from some of the controversies that have occurred.

Starting from the problems of migrant workers, human rights violations, the treatment of similar people's communities, and several other things.

However, the World Football Agency (FIFA) continues to provide support. Bahkan, the President of FIFA, Gianni Infantino, dared to put up a body.

Infantino has criticized Western critics for Qatari's human rights record. With great enthusiasm, the sole candidate for President of FIFA for the next period defended the World Cup which will soon begin in the Gulf state.

Recently, Qatari officials have said their country has been subjected to "racism" and "double standards" and they point to reforms on working conditions and safety that have been hailed as breakthroughs in the region.

The football itself won again on Saturday, with a strong focus on off-field politics just 24 hours before the opening match between Qatari hosts against Ecuador.

Infantino, speaking at a press conference for the opening of the tournament in Doha, made strong words for critics of Qatar's human rights record.

"The giving of this moral lesson - unilaterally - is just a scourge," the Swiss man was quoted as saying by AFP via Antara, Saturday, November 19,

"I don't want to give you a life lesson, but what's happening here is very, very unfair," he continued.

He added, "For what Europeans have done over the past 3,000 years, we must apologize for the next 3,000 years before starting to provide moral lessons to people."

Infantino also expressed his support for marginalized communities.

"Today I feel Qatar, today I feel Arabic, today I feel Africa, today I feel gay, today I feel disabled, today I feel like I am a migrant worker," he said.

Another problem that dominates ahead of the tournament is the sale of beer in the Islamic state, which severely limits alcohol consumption.

Just 48 hours before kickoff, organizers on Friday made a surprising decision, banning the sale of beer around stadiums.

FIFA gave no reason for the surprising decision, but media reports said there had been intervention by Qatari's ruling family.

Dozens of Budweiser beer tents have been set up on the pitch ahead of the first game.

Infantino underestimated the decision on the final-minute decision change on Saturday.

"I personally think if for three hours a day you can't drink beer, you'll still be safe," he said. "The same goes for France, Spain, Scotland."