#2022 world cup | Explore Tumblr posts and blogs

ilongfor-the-arts · 2 years ago

Note

Hi bestieeee! Love your work! Hear me out: can I get an Emi Martinez smut where you’re dating Ronaldo or Messi or someone and, while they’re away, Emi offers to do some lawn work for you and you end up screwing? Thankssssss

Cool for the Summer

Pairing: Emiliano Martinez x fem! Reader

Warnings: smut, shower sex, cheating, unprotected sex, fingering, mild size kink, pet names, praise kink

Summary: *in req*

Word Count: 4.5k

Disclaimer: changed it to pool boy but I think you’ll enjoy nonetheless;)

Taglist: @kawaikylian

The temperature that day was sweltering. Around me, the heat wave was raging. I cast my eyes out my window. The heat was causing the air to sway and contort. Many gardeners wiped the sweat from their brows due to the twisted mirage caused by the fever.

“God! When will this end?”

I said as I paced the kitchen, irritated. Summer days were usually spent relaxing by the spacious pool that was conveniently located outside Ronaldo��s and my villa. The anomaly, though, occurred this week. I quickly began to perspire the moment I stepped outside my front door. I could only stand to lounge for a short while before scurrying back to the air conditioning or jumping in the water.

I grabbed a glass from the collection of stunning mahogany cabinets and quickly filled it with tap water. I gulped the cool water graciously. I felt unusually thirsty despite having only gone outside briefly to retrieve the mail.

Typically, the summer heat was bearable. In fact, I enjoyed the heat. There was something wonderful about the sweat and sun that always got a rise out of me. It was sensual to take your lover on long beach walks while holding their damp palm as you both became sun-kissed. It was sensual to kiss in the pool while the sun raged on. On the other hand, this heat wave was unprecedented. There was nothing sensual about perspiring through every shirt you owned in a three-day period.

But the long, hot summer did have one very clear advantage: our pool boy visited very frequently. Due to the increased usage, the pool required even more maintenance. It was always enjoyable to observe him working. His shirt was off, and the exposed areas of his back and torso glistened with perspiration. On days like these, I wished for things that I knew were forbidden. Not prohibited due to circumstance, but prohibited because I was, regrettably, married.

I tapped my nails against the spotless marble of our island in the center of the roomy kitchen. I was in desperate need of something to keep me busy. My search turned up nothing, which was a problem. I caught sight of the pool boy's muscles flexing deliciously in the sun as I peered out the window. To be completely honest, I have no idea what he does to our pool. I only hope he’s as good as he says he is.

The phone rang. The still room reverberated with the piercing ring. My eyes were torn away from the tall, attractive pool boy as I was abruptly brought back to reality. I plucked my phone from the pocket of my jean shorts, glancing at the caller.

Shit, it was my husband.

I begrudgingly answered the call.

“Hello?”

I inquired.

“Hey darling. What are you up to?”

I was staring out the window, admiring the pool boy's toned chest glistening in the hot sun.

“Nothing much. It’s brutally hot here.”

“Have you been using the pool?”

“A little. The water is lukewarm, so it isn’t nearly as satisfying as taking a cold shower.”

“Hm. I see. Well, try to get out there. It took a long time to get that pool installed.”

“I know, I know. How was the business meeting?”

“Good! It was really good! I think moving to Saudi Arabia may be in the near future.”

My lips were pursed. Over the phone, Ronaldo noticed my quiet and apprehensive demeanor. He was aware of how much I adored our home. We chose it together shortly after our marriage, and we had always shared a dream of installing a large pool.

“I know you love the house, darling. Perhaps we can keep it and go there for vacation.”

My face drooped.

My gaze shifted to the swimming pool. When I saw our handsome pool boy strutting toward the sliding glass door, my heart leaped.

“Um- love you, darling. I’ll talk to you later, okay?”

The increased urgency in my voice was not apparent to Ronaldo.

“Alright, sounds good. Love you.”

I hung up the phone and placed it face down on the marble countertops. Emiliano's head was thankfully pointing downwards. He was unaware of my frantic behavior.

He slid the glass door open with ease before striding confidently into the cool kitchen. As the air conditioning enveloped him, he exhaled a sigh of relief.

“Ah, that feels nice.”

Emi closed his eyes, enjoying the pleasure of the cold air. I took a moment to admire his unkempt appearance. His cheeks were flushed pink. The baggy tank top did little to hide his toned pecs. Drops of perspiration cascaded down his muscles, coating every inch of his tanned skin.

“I don’t mean to bother you Mrs. Ronaldo-”

I jerked awake from my trance. I cocked my head upward, concealing my excitement at the significant height difference.

“Please call me Y/N.”

A faint smirk played on the corner of his lips. Emi approached, bowing and resting his elbows on the marble. Our lips would meet if I could just reach my head over the counter.

“Right. Well, Y/N, I was wondering if I could trouble you for a bottle of water.”

He teased me by emphasizing my name. He knew I preferred to be referred to as Y/N. I returned his smirk.

“Of course you can. One bottle of water, coming right up.”

Our relationship had a history of flirtatious play. However, I never acted on it. It was difficult to tell if he was being dead serious or if my imagination was exaggerating my fantasies.

I spun around, opening the fridge and pulling a cold bottle of water from the shelves. I made an effort to hide my bright smile. I swiveled my body around, slamming the water bottle onto the countertop in a dramatic fashion.

“There you go, one bottle of water.”

I said, my tone soft.

Emi smiled. My heart fluttered.

God, it’s been forever since Ronaldo made my heart flutter.

Emi encircled the bottle with his large hands. As I watched his fingers wrap completely around the bottle, my jaw clenched. The object was dwarfed by his grasp. My gaze moved over the veins that adorned his forearms and hands.

Blood rushed to my core.

Don’t let him see.

I forced my eyes away from his gorgeous hands.

Shit.

Emi smirked. He definitely noticed my gawking.

He brought the bottle to his lips and hastily gulped the water. As the cool liquid slid down his throat, his Adams apple bobbed. A drop of water dribbled down his chin erotically.

Shit!

Jesus!

I closed my eyes and shook my head slightly to center myself.

“Are you alright?”

Emi inquired. The furrow on his brow and the concern in his voice indicated that he had most likely missed my second wave of gawking.

“Yes, I’m alright. Thank you for asking.”

The silence that descended upon us was dense and awkward.

Shit, strike up conversation, Y/N.

“Um. Are you done with work for the day?”

Emi nodded, his dark eyes glimmering in the midday sun.

“Yes. I’m all done for the day.”

Perspiration had blackened the majority of his gray tank top. An idea occurred to me. A horrible, horrible idea that should never have entered my mind, but once I had it, it was difficult to release.

No.

No, I can’t.

What would he-?

How would I-?

What would Cristiano do if he found out?

“Hey, Emi-”

Shit.

Emi's face brightened. He flashed me a soft look. The flirty nature of his demeanor had dissipated. His toned body would get me going, but his puppy dog eyes would be the death of me.

My heart skipped a beat.

A blush crept onto my cheekbones.

“Yes?”

I knew the breathy tone wasn't on purpose, but that didn't stop my heart from racing with glorious anticipation.

“If you aren’t opposed to the idea, you’re more than welcome to use our shower to freshen up.”

A look I had never seen before crossed Emi’s face. It was one of pure shock.

“Oh! Um-I don’t want to overstay my welcome.”

I shook my head.

“No! You wouldn’t be overstaying your welcome. I know how awful it must be to work outside all day in this awful heat. The least I can do for you is allow you to take a cold shower.”

Emi swallowed, hesitant to accept my offer.

“Um.”

His voice trailed off into the still air. A brief pause occurred. I shifted my weight, trying not to reveal my true intentions.

His demeanor began to change. His nervousness subsided and was replaced by consideration. He scoffed, a small smirk on the corner of his lips.

“Alright, if you insist.”

He said smugly.

My heart began to race.

My palms began to sweat.

Shit.

What was he thinking?

Emi rose, maintaining eye contact as the height disparity became more apparent. He turned to leave the room, heading for the first floor bathroom. He came to a halt as he approached the door frame. With each steady breath, his shoulders rose and fell.

I gulped.

Emi glanced over his shoulder and met my gaze.

“Thank you.”

He stated. Emi turned and strolled down the hallway to the first-floor bathroom. I stood, staring at the empty door frame where he had just been.

His tone was... seductive?

Or was that merely my imagination?

I stared at the empty door frame. His aura lingered.

The faucet squeaked. The water began slamming against the tile. I awoke from my trance.

Oh my God!

Was I really about to climb in there with him?

I have a husband!

Despite the thousands of objections racing through my mind, I found my feet instinctively carrying me down the hall. I came to a halt in front of the bathroom and stared blankly at the painted wood.

Jesus.

I'll be honest; I thought this would be much simpler. I thought our flirtatious jokes would make the process simple and stress free.

I then considered what was hidden behind this door.

Emi.

Naked.

Covered in thick droplets of water.

A wave of heat rushed to my core. My face became cold. Ronaldo's memories had all but vanished. Fire took the place of my blood. Lust took the place of my guilt.

I wanted this.

I so, so wanted this.

I pushed the bathroom door open, being careful not to jar the hinges. The air in the room was thick with steam. I admire Emi's ability to take a hot shower in the middle of a heat wave. As I walked, I shed my clothes, lengthening my strides.

Me and Emi were only separated by a miniscule sliver of glass. Behind the foggy pane, his magnificent features were softened by the haze. I knew he had noticed me. I knew he was expecting me.

Despite being completely naked, the intense heat of the steam kept me warm.

I pushed the glass door open gently, revealing Emi's large, naked frame. With his back to me, he flexed and contorted his muscles as he ran both hands through his short hair.

“I figured you would follow me here.”

He hadn't turned to face me quite yet. My knees shook as he spoke in a deep and sultry tone.

Emi cast a glance behind him, his gaze moving along my naked body, taking in every curve and divot. He sighed softly, becoming further aroused as the situation unfolded.

I gulped, my heart pounding with excitement. I required time to mentally prepare myself if that brief glare was any indication of what was to come.

Emi turned, his torso now facing me. He had a lovely chest. I wanted nothing more than to reach out and run my hands over the planes of his skin. Emi hooked a finger under my chin, gently pushing my face upwards to meet his burning eyes. As he took a step forward, the breath caught in my throat. I could feel the heat radiating from his solid body.

Emi’s face contorted into a devilish smile.

“I knew, from the moment I laid eyes on you, that I’d make you my good girl.”

His large hand rose to cup my face in his calloused palm. He tenderly stroked my bottom lip with the pad of his thumb. Despite being toasty warm, a chill ran up and down my spine at the gentle touches.

Emi smirked.

“You’re so gorgeous.”

He muttered under his breath. As he leaned down to press his mouth against my ear, my hands fidgeted at my sides.

“How long have you wanted this for?”

I shuddered. My knees shook. I fought the desire to crumble into his arms.

“A long time.”

My tone was pitifully meek.

Emi drew back slightly to stare into my lust-filled eyes. His cocky smirk remained plastered on his lips as he positioned his face mere inches from mine.

We were close, so close.

I could feel his warm breath cascading across my face.

But I fought the urge to close the gap between us.

Emi scoffed.

“I know… whenever I’m around you wear practically nothing. You love teasing me, doncha? You love the thought of me snapping and fucking you right in front of your husband.”

I exhaled a trembling breath. Emis eyes traveled to my lips.

“I’ll admit, it was difficult to control myself today. Maybe because you were wearing those tight little shorts… or-“

He met my eyes once more. His gaze was dark. His pupils were blown.

“Maybe it was because your poor excuse of a husband wasn’t around.”

His sultry tone fell an octave. I shivered.

Emi leaned in closer, closing the distance between us. Our lips fit together like two puzzle pieces. I wrapped my arms around his broad shoulders and drew his strong frame into me. His hands instinctively reached for my hips. He turned us around, pressing my back against the wall directly beneath the faucet.

The contrast between the cool tile wall on my back and the hot water cascading between our bodies caused goosebumps to appear on my skin.

Emi's kiss quickly turned hot and desperate. What began as a composed moment quickly devolved into a clash of teeth and tongues.

“I’m gonna show you how a real man fucks.”

He mumbled against my lips. The vibrations from his words sent a wave of heat to my core. I couldn’t blush. All the blood in my body had rushed to my center.

Emi wrapped a large hand around my thigh, hiking it up to his waist. The new angle was perfect for grinding my cunt against his semi hard erection.

Emi groaned, my mouth swallowing his noises. He trailed a hand towards my center, gliding two of his fingers along my velvety wetness.

“Shit…”

He murmured breathily.

I moaned as he found my clit, instinctively bucking my hips against his calloused fingertips.

“You’re already soaked and I haven’t even touched you.”

His words were clouding my brain. There were no thoughts or feelings, just him. He delved two lanky fingers into my cunt, quickly finding my g spot. I convulsed around him, throwing my head back against the tile wall. A brief flash of pain bounced around my skull, but it soon dissipated as Emi began thrusting his digits into me.

“Oh my God… Jesus….”

I murmured incoherently.

His free hand gripped my hip, keeping me upright.

“If I knew you’d look this pretty with my fingers inside you I would’ve fucked you a long time ago.”

My eyes fluttered closed. I clutched Emi's shoulders. My knees were violently shaking. I'd be a puddle on the tile floor if it wasn't for his hand on my hip and our close proximity.

My walls fluttered around his digits. His fingers felt wonderful, even better than I could’ve imagined. They were incredibly long and somehow able to locate my g spot with every thrust.

The coil within my lower abdomen was tightening, yet Emi wasn’t moving nearly quick enough to bring me to my delicious release.

“Emi, please, move faster-“

I begged. Emi interrupted.

“Don’t be so greedy darling. You'll get to cum. I’ll make sure you cum.”

He stooped to rest his head in the crook of my neck.

“For now, be my good girl and let me fuck you with my fingers for just a little while longer. Can you do that?”

I nodded vigorously.

“Yes… I-I can do that.”

Emi began to place featherlight kisses along my jugular, occasionally nipping at my skin.

“Emi-please-don’t leave marks-“

Emi’s calloused thumb pressed against my swollen clit, silencing my protests.

“Don’t worry sweet girl, I won’t.”

He placed a tender kiss on the soft skin under my earlobe.

“Even though I wish I could leave a little souvenir for your husband.”

Trying to explain to Ronaldo why I have dark hickeys all over my neck would certainly be interesting.

I scoffed.

“If you fuck me really good I’ll let you put a few marks on my back.”

I stimulated his senses by running my fingers through his short hair. Emi drew back, our noses sensually brushing together as he pecked my plush lips. He continued a steady pace with his fingers, stimulating my walls deliciously.

“I'm disappointed. If I were him I’d see your back every day. I’d bend you over everything.”

I gasped as he began tracing shapes into my swollen bundle of nerves while simultaneously pumping his fingers into my core.

“Emi, please, can I come now?”

Emi placed a kiss on my cheek, an unexpectedly soft gesture.

“Yes sweet girl, you’ve been so good for me, you can cum now.”

He quickened his pace. I moaned pornographcially, my jaw falling to the floor as the coil within me rapidly tightened. The wet sounds of my cunt ricocheted between the solid walls.

“Jesus Emi!”

I knitted my brow together.

“Come on good girl, cum all over my hand.”

His words sent me spiraling. Black spots clouded my vision as the release I had been chasing washed over me. My walls hugged his long digits as they continued to thrust lazily within me, bringing my body down to earth.

“Holy shit Emi.”

I said once I had come down from my orgasm.

Emi drew his hands from my cunt, leaving me with a sudden sense of emptiness. He brought his digits to my mouth, pushing them past my lips as an invitation to suck on them. I obeyed his commands, hollowing my cheeks to increase the suction as the sweet taste coated my tongue.

“Oh baby, if you think that’s good, just wait till you get a taste of my cock.”

Emi tugged his digits from my mouth with a loud pop before reconnecting our lips. We kissed carelessly as the rain fell around us. His large hands relaxed atop the swell of my hips. My arms were thrown around his shoulders. I rose to my toes in order to close the height gap between us and fully enjoy the sensation of his soft mouth against mine. His hard cock pressed into my lower abdomen, sending a heat wave down to my center.

I chuckled against his lips.

“You’re awfully humble.”

His erection was pressed against my stomach.

Jesus, he really was huge, I’ll give him that.

Emi rose to his full height, smugly looking down at me. He cupped my cheek, tracing my bottom lip with his thumb.

“You wouldn’t have snuck in here if you thought the sex was going to be mediocre, sweet girl. I need to fuck you so good that you’ll be touching yourself to the thought of me inside of you for weeks.”

Wetness began to pool between my thighs once more.

“How do you want it, sweet girl?”

A devilish grin spread across my face. I pressed my lips seductively against his ear, rising to my toes.

“Bend me over.”

I whispered, smiling wider when I felt the goosebumps erupting along Emi’s skin.

I pulled back with the intention of igniting a moment of eye contact between us. However, I was interrupted by Emi’s strong grasp flipping me around. He placed a hand between my shoulder blades and shoved me downwards roughly until I was fully bent over for him.

I gasped audibly as Emi dragged the tip of his cock along my folds, collecting the velvety wetness that had recently pooled between my thighs.

“Jesus, I just made you cum and now you’re soaked again.”

His tip prodded at my entrance. I squeezed my eyes shut, fully prepared for him to rip me apart.

But that glorious sensation didn’t occur.

“God Emi, just fuck me already please!”

I begged, shoving my hips backward in the hope that he’d take pity on me.

Emi grasped my hips roughly, shoving me forward to undo my previous actions.

“Just hold on sweet girl, be a good girl for me and be patient.”

Piping hot water droplets slammed against my back and rolled onto the tile below. I watched them fall as Emi continue to torture me by running his swollen cock along my folds.

My arms and knees were shaking violently. My core was aching for him.

Be patient.

Be a good girl.

I cast a glance over my shoulder, wanting to catch a glimpse of his cock before he buried it deep within me. As I relished in the sheer beauty of his fully hard length, he finally gave in to my body's protests.

Emi jerked his hips forward, burying himself balls deep within my aching cunt. I groaned loudly.

“Shit!”

My head fell between my biceps. I stared blankly at the tile below as Emi quickly began a steady pace.

He was so thick, so deliciously thick. He stretched my walls so far that I swore if he was any bigger I’d rip in half.

The subtle pain that came with Emi’s penetration quickly dissipated into pleasure that was far hotter than the weather.

“Holy shit sweet girl, your pussy is so wonderful, so nice and tight.”

The praise was intoxicating.

Once he allowed me to adjust, Emi gripped my hips and began tugging me back to meet his brutal thrusts. I moaned loudly each time our pelvises smashed together.

The thick water droplets slapping against the tile was perfect white noise that wonderfully complimented the glorious sounds of our combined moans.

“Jesus Emi, you’re so big.”

I said, the words struggling to overcome the myriad of moans that were hastily spilling from my lips.

“This is how a real man fucks, sweet girl. Indulge in it before you have to go back to your pussy of a husband.”

He was right.

I’d never been fucked quite like this.

His hard cock was sliding in and out of my cunt perfectly due to my prominent wetness. He made me feel so incredibly full, yet the glorious sensation wasn’t overwhelming.

Every move he made was intentional and left me feeling completely euphoric.

With a particularly hard jerk of his pelvis, the tip of his swollen cock both my cervix and g spot. I moaned, my back arching. Emi knew I wouldn’t last long, so he made sure to milk the last few moments of togetherness. He leaned down, pressing his firm chest to my back.

His ragged breaths were now audible due to our close proximity. He was panting deliciously, unable to conceal his desire.

I’m glad to know he was enjoying this just as much as I was.

“You take my cock so well.”

His tone was completely breathy and fucked out. It was so incredibly sexy. I had never heard anything quite like it in my entire life.

“I knew you’d be a good girl for me.”

Oh God, he was making my head spin. I couldn’t take much more of this. My lower abdomen was so impossibly tight.

His cock was finding my g spot with every thrust.

My entire body was trembling like a leaf.

“Emi, fuck-Emi I’m gonna cum.”

Emi exhaled a shuddering breath.

“Not yet sweet girl, please, be a good girl for me and hold on. I wanna be inside you for just a little longer.”

I was powerless to resist him. I fought the desire to release all over his thick length.

My fingertips were filled with pins and needles.

Emi’s grip on my hip would surely cause bruising.

The bent angle of my body caused my back to ache.

Yet I was completely satisfied.

Emi was panting in my ear, the hot water was cascading down our warm bodies, and his cock was filling me to the brim.

Emi’s calloused fingertips found my swollen clit.

I moaned pornographcially.

“Who can make you feel this good? Hm?”

I shuddered, barely able to form a coherent sentence. My orgasm was seeping into the corners of my brain, threatening to spill over the edge.

Not yet.

“You, Emi, only you can make me feel this good.”

“That’s right, that’s my good girl.”

Emi placed a tender kiss on my jugular.

“Cum for me baby, cum all over my cock, be a good girl for me.”

He didn’t have to tell me twice.

I came undone.

My orgasm slammed into me like a freight train. I squeezed my eyes shut as the euphoria completely overcame my brain.

My chest heaved as I regained my composure. Emi slowed, helping me come down from my post orgasmic gaze. When he was satisfied with his work, he pulled out.

The absence of his cock left me feeling empty, yet extremely satisfied.

I rose to my full height, making sure to keep a hand on Emi at all times in order to steady my trembling knees.

A bright smile was plastered on Emi’s face. His cheeks were flushed. His lips were plush.

I’ve never seen him happier.

“So, about that hickey…”

I rolled my eyes, giving him a playful smack on his chest.

Emi cocked an eyebrow.

“Really? It didn’t seem like you were joking. Come on, humor me, at least consider it.”

His tone was lighthearted and playful, a stark contrast from moments ago. I narrowed my gaze suggestively.

"Hm."

I placed my open palms on Emi's well defined pectorals. His muscles rippled under my touch as I rose to press my lips against his ear once more. The water continued to fall around us. We were like two lovers trapped in the sensual rain.

"Well, if you make me cum again I'll consider it."

149 notes · View notes

thomasrist · 1 year ago

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Bribery and bigotry: how Qatar marred the “World’s Game”

The FIFA World Cup, the summit of international football, is a celebration of sport that transcends borders, cultures, and languages, represents unity and inclusivity, and brings together nations from around the globe for a month-long festival of competition and camaraderie. However, the 2022 World Cup in Qatar was marred by controversy, and evidence that FIFA were willing to sacrifice the very foundations of the World Cup in pursuit of profit and power.

Qatar's Bid: A Controversial Start

The controversy surrounding the 2022 World Cup began with Qatar's successful bid in 2010. The decision to award the tournament to the tiny Middle Eastern nation raised eyebrows from the outset. Qatar’s senior men’s team were ranked 86th in the world at the time, below the likes of Oman and Zambia. Plus, the country had just two stadiums with a capacity higher than 20,000, which brought their ability to host a World Cup into question.

Critics also pointed to concerns about the extreme summer temperatures in Qatar, reaching well over 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit), which posed serious health risks to players and fans alike. To address this, FIFA made the unprecedented move of rescheduling the tournament to November and December, disrupting the regular football calendar. While the decision aimed to ensure the safety of participants, it underscored the willingness of FIFA to bend to the demands of the host nation, despite putting the inclusivity of fans accustomed to the traditional June-July schedule at risk.

Additionally, at the start of 2011, just a few months after Qatar were announced as the hosts of the 2022 World Cup, Lord Triesman of the English FA tabled accusations of bribery on the part of two FIFA Executive Committee members. In his testimony to the UK parliamentary inquiry board in May 2011, Lord Triesman purported that both Jack Warner of the Trinidad and Tobago FA and Nicolas Leoz of the Paraguay FA demanded financial compensation for their votes in favour of the Qatari bid.

Despite these claims never being proven, the topic of bribery has stayed closely linked to Qatar’s bid. Leaked documents seen by the Sunday Times revealed that the Qatari state-owned television channel beIN Sport (formerly known as Al Jazeera) offered a total of $500 million for the rights to broadcast the tournament just 21 days before Qatar was announced as the hosts of the 2022 World Cup. Showing that the Qatari media already had knowledge of their bid winning before the announcement, outlying the potential that there may have been corruption at play. This completely sullies the integrity of Qatar’s World Cup and draws FIFA’s integrity into question, in addition to their commitment to making the World Cup as ethical as possible.

Human Rights Violations: The Dark Underbelly

As preparations for the World Cup rumbled on, reports of human rights abuses and labour exploitation reared their heads. The BBC reported that The Qatari government hired 30,000 foreign labourers to build the World Cup stadiums, most of which came from Bangladesh India Nepal and the Philippines. Qatar's reliance on migrant workers to build the infrastructure for the tournament led to allegations of inhumane working conditions, poor living conditions, and the violation of basic labour rights. These allegations gained momentum when The Guardian reported that 6,500 migrant workers from India, Pakistan, Nepal, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka had died since Qatar won its World Cup bid in 2010.

Upon further enquiry, it was revealed that ‘The Kafala system’ is largely at fault for the mistreatment of these migrant workers. The Kafala System ties migrant workers to their employers, has come under intense scrutiny. This system allows for the exploitation of vulnerable workers, who often face passport confiscation, restricted movement, and inadequate legal recourse. These violations of basic human rights raise ethical questions about FIFA's choice of Qatar as a host nation and their commitment to inclusivity.

Exclusion of LGBTQ+ Community

Qatar's conservative stance on LGBTQ+ rights has provided the largest source of contention. The country's strict laws criminalise homosexuality as well as campaigning for LGBTQ+ rights, and despite the Qatari government’s assurances that all fans would be welcome regardless of sexual orientation, concerns about the safety and inclusivity of LGBTQ+ individuals attending the World Cup persist.

In January 2022, openly gay Australian footballer Josh Cavallo stated he would welcome the World Cup happening in Qatar if it could become a catalyst for the laws to be changed, describing this possibility as "a fantastic opportunity" for the nation to open it’s doors to the LGBTQ+. Cavallo had previously expressed fear of travelling to the nation before the organising committee told him he would be welcome. Therefore the opportunity was there for FIFA to really break boundaries by making the Far East a safe place for the LGBTQ+ community.

Prior to the tournament Gianni Infantino even went as far as stating “Let me repeat it clearly: Everyone will be welcomed to the tournament, regardless of their origin, background, religion, gender, sexual orientation or nationality”. Many football fans have said they were refused entry into World Cup Stadiums whilst wearing rainbow colours. Former Wales professional soccer player Laura McAllister tweeted that she was refused entry to a FIFA stadium by security officials Monday because she was wearing a rainbow-themed supporters’ hat. McAllister said she was told by officials that the rainbow symbol was forbidden.

In December 2022, The BBC published a report based on interviews with LGBTQ+ fans from Qatar and from Western nations. It examined the impact that the attitude of the organising committee and FIFA had towards LGBTQ+ rights during the World Cup had on supporters' feelings on football culture and homosexuality in football. A lot of fans stated that they had previously felt that the footballing world was at or approaching a positive and supportive place in terms of accepting LGBTQ+ fans and players. The attitude of the British was that fans considered LGBTQ+ people being treated equally to be an uncontroversial matter of fact, and a fundamental human right, with fans having become used to seeing overt support from the footballing world. However, seeing FIFA allow LGBTQ+ rights to revert to a debate, and one based on culture rather than human rights, these fans were shocked; the BBC also noted that there was shock at Infantino repeatedly saying that people who wanted FIFA to condemn Qatar's stance on LGBTQ+ rights were only trying to stir a culture war.

FIFA, in its pursuit of profit, has been criticised for not doing enough to address this issue, and in some cases went to some lengths to avoid the issue being addressed. A number of captains of European nations (Wales, England, Belgium, Germany, Denmark, the Netherlands and Switzerland), had planned to wear a ‘OneLove’ armband to “promote inclusion and send a message against discrimination of any kind”. However, on the 21st of November (after the tournament had already started), the football associations of the aforementioned nations were told that any player who donned the armband would receive a yellow card.

FIFA was heavily criticised by fans and the football associations, for making the captains of the nations choose to either represent their countries or speak out against Qatar’s anti-LGBTQ+ laws. Pride in Football, an LGBTQ+ supporters group spoke out against FIFA and also lamented the players for not following through with the gesture, "A token gesture from the start that has turned into another embarrassment from FIFA. FIFA have had since September to sort this, and yet they wait until now to threaten sanction. FIFA is denying players their fundamental and most basic human right to freedom of speech. Countries, teams and players are happy to defend LGBTQ+ people until they themselves are at risk. LGBTQ+ Qataris face a bigger punishment than just a yellow card. The gestures and the activism ended quite easily at the thought of reprimand".

Pride in Football’s statement perfectly encapsulates the hypocrisy that exists amongst elite sports, corporations and athletes are perfectly fine supporting causes until there’s a potential backlash, which could cost them sponsorships and financial backing. The complete opposite of what Josh Cavallo proposed prior to the World Cup, FIFA let a fantastic opportunity fall through their fingers, all in the pursuit of profit. Plus, FIFA's decision to hold the tournament in a country with discriminatory laws and its failure to use its influence to advocate for change raises questions about its commitment to inclusivity at all levels of the game, as campaigns like rainbow laces and Football v Homophobia lose years of work, because football’s largest organisation, FIFA allowed LGBTQ+ rights to become a debate instead of a matter of human rights.

The Media’s Reaction

The Media’s treatment of Qatar hosting the World Cup bought about the same hypocrisy as the very organisations they were condemning. Gary Neville, a large voice in football punditry, aligns himself politically to the left, which made his decision to appear on the Qatari-owned broadcaster beIN Sports all the more confusing.

In defence of his appearance Neville stated that “my view on it quite simply is that I detest workers' rights abuses, I hate the idea of people not being paid enough money, working in poor conditions, the idea of people not having good accommodation. The women's rights and human rights abuses. I can't stand it. But I also have relationships with people in this part of the world and have done for many many years. Those relationships are long standing in our country”. This statement from Neville underlines the hypocrisy that surrounds all facets of the event, everyone is fine to point out the issues that surround Qatar’s policies, but when it comes down to truly tackling the issue, they go silent, in order to protect relationships that bring financial upturns.

On the other hand, some media personalities protested well against Qatar’s policies. Openly queer pundit Alex Scott donned the banned ‘OneLove armband’ pitch-side prior to England’s World Cup opener against Iran, in direct protest of the ban FIFA had imposed on the symbol being displayed. Scott also spoke out against FIFA president Infantino for his rambling speech, where he stated “Today I feel Qatari, today I feel Arab, today I feel African, today I feel gay, today I feel disabled, today I feel like migrant worker”. In a passionate speech televised on the BBC, Scott lamented Infantino, “You are not gay. You'll never understand travelling to a country where you are fearing for your life just because of your preference of who you choose to love”. Scott’s words truly drove home the disconnect between FIFA and the people they affected with their decision to host the World Cup in Qatar, and their willingness to sweep these issues under the rug with empty statements, all in the name of protecting their profits.

However, it can be argued that Scott’s willingness to appear in Qatar, accepting a paycheck in order to be there, is an act of hypocrisy, because much of what she’s said and done could have been done from a UK-based studio. Also, BBC’s willingness to broadcast the event shows that there is a price for their integrity, with Pundits speaking out against the event, all while the BBC rakes in the absurd sums of money they receive for televising said event. All of these reactions truly encapsulate the attitudes towards Qatar’s debauchery, all of the media voices that spoke out against it, were still largely happy to stand at the tournament helping bring more eyes towards it, inevitably boosting their own profits, instead of truly tackling the issue.

What We Can Learn... The staging of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar has brought to light a troubling aspect of prioritising financial gain over the principles of inclusivity and ethics. The entire journey, from the controversial bidding process to the glaring human rights violations, exclusion of the LGBTQ+ community, and the escalating commercialisation of the tournament, paints a stark picture of FIFA's decision-making and its impact on the global football community.

The bidding process itself was marred by allegations of corruption and ethical breaches, raising concerns about the transparency and fairness of the selection of host nations. The subsequent revelations of severe human rights violations in Qatar, including the exploitation of migrant workers and questionable labour practices, have further tarnished the reputation of the tournament. The exclusion of the LGBTQ+ community, evident in restrictions on public displays of affection, any displays of support for LGBTQ+ rights, and the lack of legal protections, contradicts the principles of equality and inclusivity that should be upheld in such a globally significant event.

The increasing commercialisation of the World Cup has transformed it into a lucrative business venture rather than a festival of football. The proliferation of sponsorships, advertising, and merchandising has overshadowed the core values of fair play, unity, and camaraderie that should define the beautiful game. Pushing large groups of our society to the wayside, all in pursuit of financial gain. This commercial focus has not only diluted the essence of the tournament but also raises questions about the true priorities of those overseeing it, with FIFA brushing the large issues under the carpet.

As passionate fans, conscientious stakeholders, and responsible citizens, we must look at ourselves first, and examine how we can blindly watch an event that has been marred with such controversy. We must demand greater transparency, accountability, and a reconsideration of the fundamental values that should guide the World Cup. By holding FIFA to higher standards, we can strive to ensure that future editions of the tournament prioritise inclusivity, respect for human rights, and environmental sustainability. Only through such a collective effort can the World Cup regain its status as a truly global celebration that unites nations and embodies the principles of fairness and unity in the world of football.

#2022 world cup #qatar #lgbtq rights #inclusivity in sport #gary neville #alex scott #infantino

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