My Take | The world certainly needs the magic a World Cup can bring
- Cliff Buddle says the tournament hosted by Qatar will be the most controversial yet, but when it begins, billions of fans will be gripped
One of the most poignant stories of the first world war is that of football being played by British and German soldiers during a Christmas Day truce in 1914. The evidence for this spontaneous show of humanity is largely circumstantial. It seems there was, at least, a kickabout. But the idea of football as a force for good has endured.
With the World Cup kicking-off in Qatar on Sunday night as another war rages in Europe, the concept is pertinent again. Russia and Ukraine will not be among the 32 teams competing. Russia was suspended by the sport’s governing body Fifa after invading its neighbour. Ukraine was knocked out in the play-offs.
But the competition will see fans from all over the world gather in celebration of the beautiful game. If only geopolitical differences could be settled with 90 minutes of football, perhaps with extra time and penalties.
The tournament will, however, be the most controversial yet. Football fans eagerly anticipate every World Cup. But many will feel conflicted this time.
The choice of Qatar as host makes no sense. The desert nation is too small and too hot. Moving the finals to the cooler winter months has disrupted the football schedule in Europe.
Qatar’s ban on same-sex relationships and poor treatment of immigrant workers have left many fans feeling uncomfortable. Fifa president Gianni Infantino railed against critics on Saturday. But the choice of host is not easy to reconcile with the organisation’s commitment to fighting discrimination and protecting rights.