RE: No Beer For You!
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It might surprise many, but it seems that Qatar has actually had a "pro" league since 1972, and teams were around since the fifties (according to wikipedia), and whilst their top division only has 12 teams currently, given they are a relatively small country their soccer scene is well established.
That said, I agree having them host it was the worst decision FIFA could ever have made, and as has been widely publicised since it was awarded to them the level of corruption and bribery at the heart of FIFA's decsion making process would rival perhaps a US presidential campaign (ooopsss ... a bit controversial lol). Add to that the treatment of migrant workers building the stadia, civil rights issues, including the potential for the mistreatment and worse of the LGBTQ+ communties that have arisen over the years only adds fuel to fire. Recent comments by FIFA officials haven't helped asuage the thoughts of most that having such a prestigous tournament in such a country was always a mistake.
The issue over removing mainstream alcohol at the event is also a bit of mockery of the tournament and the sponsors, since it has also been revealed that certain privileged VIP guests (commonly known as freeloaders) will be able to quaff champagne/sparkling wines and cocktails to their hearts content.
I'll admit I don't know much about the country beyond what I have been reading recently. The native population is pretty small with a lot of ex-pats. The fact is that big money drives sport and the actual fans may not be seen as so important by those in charge.
I expect you heard that Joe Lycett plans to shred £10k unless David Beckham pulls out of his well paid promotional position.
It will be interesting to see if people watch anyway. I know my Welsh colleague wants to see his team do well.
Thanks for the awesome comment! Yeah, this seems like it was a road to ruin right from the get go. Paved with bribes and nefarious back room deals. It will be interesting to see how many visitors end up being detained during the events and how many of them are never heard from again. If the US thinks the Russia/Griner thing is crazy, can you imagine what is going to happen here?