By Kiran Damodaran ’17, Staff Writer 

During the past few months months there has been a lot of controversy surrounding the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. To give some background, Qatar is a small country in Western Asia, located on the northeastern coast of the Arabian Peninsula. They won the bid for the 2022 World Cup over Australia, Japan, South Korea and the United States, and will be the first Middle Eastern country ever to host this sporting event. Following a few issues that arose earlier this summer, however, people have begun to question whether the World Cup should even be held in Qatar.

The first of these issues is the incredibly hot conditions the players and fans would have to endure. During the month of July, temperatures stay consistently above 100° F, occasionally reaching heights of 120°F. This type of heat isn’t just uncomfortable – These “extreme meteorological conditions,”(via LA Times) as described by the International Journal of Biometeorology, are quite dangerous. Even FIFA itself recognizes that the conditions are “a potential health risk.”(via FIFA.com) During the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, several players complained about the heat in some of the locations, and the first water break ever was taken in one of the games. The temperatures in these areas are nothing in comparison to those of Qatar. Although Qatar has said they will attempt to create air conditioning within the stadiums, many experts have said this idea would not eliminate the problem.

The second major concern is the lack of stadiums and infrastructure in the country. Hassan Al-Thawadi, chief executive of the 2022 Qatar World Cup bid, admits that the nation is “in the process of significant infrastructure development,”(via SI.com) that will take both time and money. Qatar is planning to spend almost 45 billion dollars in an attempt to create eight World Cup sized stadiums, new training facilities, airports, transportation systems, and places to stay. The considerable building that needs to be done has forced the country to create a huge work force to tackle the problem. Unfortunately, however, this leads to the next issue. The work force has been employed long hours in over 100 degree weather. The poor working conditions have already led to over 1,000 deaths and if they don’t improve, the country is on track for about 4000 fatalities. The lack of regard for safety Qatar has shown has attracted criticism from institutions such as the International Labor Organization.

Finally, questions have been raised about whether the selection process was corrupt. FIFA has launched an investigation into allegations of bribery surrounding the bidding but according to Hans-Joachim Eckert, FIFA’s ethics chief, the report likely won’t be released until spring. Although the Qatari organizers are confident they will be acquitted of any wrongdoing, if an issue is to arise, it is almost certain the location of the World Cup would be moved. Al-Thawadi does not see this as being an issue, however, as he argues that, “We won fair and square.”(via SI.com) Since the announcement in 2010 that Qatar will be hosting the sporting competition, problems have followed the event like white on rice, unfortunately.

Aman Patil, class of 2017 at Newark Academy, agrees with Al-Thawadi and believes that the World Cup will remain in Qatar. “It would be an amazing feat for a Muslim nation to host such a great event. It would be a huge step in our world today. FIFA and Qatar will definitely figure out a way to make it work.” However, Eric Liao, class of 2014 at Newark Academy and captain of the boy’s soccer team, disagrees. “Honestly, I don’t think they should hold the tournament in Qatar. With all the issues that have already arisen surrounding the event, especially the allegations of bribery, I don’t think the end result will be pretty. As much as I hate to say it, I wouldn’t be too surprised if they decided to switch the location.”

Even though there are many more complications than the three mentioned in the article, including the fact that homosexuality is illegal in Qatar, FIFA has stood by its decision thus far. In response to the harsh criticism it has received, Qatar has made promises to improve the labor conditions in the country, and has said they will work to resolve any other issues. While it is still quite possible the location could be changed, as there are eight years remaining before the competition, FIFA is yet to make any indication this move is probable. However, on the off chance that it was moved, it is quite possible the USA could receive the bid. As a country the USA would be very equipped to host a World Cup because of the strong transportation systems, well-built stadiums and previously existing infrastructure. Unfortunately, we might just have to wait until 2026 for that chance.

All signs are pointing towards a 2022 World Cup in Qatar as of now. Although a lot of negative conversation about the event has emerged, we must keep one thing in mind; the World Cup is one of the most incredible sporting competitions in the world and regardless of the location, it will be unforgettable.