The 2022 FIFA World Cup took place in Qatar, a country that has only recently risen to notoriety on the international sports scene. The championship, which was surrounded with negative press and human rights discussions, has left a lot of its fans looking forward to leaving its discussions behind and prepare for the football of 2023.
The championship ended in the most dramatic of ways, with Argentine beating France through penalty kicks. England’s football team, who made semi-finals at the 2018 World Cup, had a relatively successful run in Qatar. After being placed in a group alongside Iran, USA and Wales, they progressed through to the quarterfinals where they were knocked out by eventual runner-up France.
Entertainment ran hot – despite criticism
Though many chose not to watch the championship due to the controversies and criticisms surrounding the hosting nation, betting and casino sites were still running hot on football-themed games. While some decided to place bets on the various games and results, other chose to play football-themed slots and game shows using deals like the Mansion casino promo code. The number of gamblers on these websites show that football is an interest that can’t quite be shaken, no matter the circumstance.
A championship shrouded in controversy
In 2010, Qatar was announced as the host of this prestigious event following a bid process that saw the tiny emirate rise above more established footballing nations such as England and Spain. The decision to award the hosting rights was met with both praise and criticism, with some citing Qatar’s lack of a footballing tradition as an obstacle for hosting a major tournament.
The 2022 World Cup will also be remembered for the international political discussions surrounding it. The tournament has become a lightning rod for debates about human rights in Qatar, with some accusing FIFA of turning a blind eye to reports of labour abuses during the construction of stadiums and other infrastructure projects, as well as other human rights breaches. Amongst other things, the rights of women and the LGBTQIA+ community as well as free speech has been brought up as issues in the middle eastern country.
Some have argued that the hosting of the World Cup would have a positive impact by forcing policy change in the hosting nations. However, others have argued against that the international attention is ineffective, using Russia’s 2018 World Cup hosting as their example for lack of change as seen most recently through the Ukrainian invention.
Looking into 2023
In the end, Qatar’s hosting of the 2022 World Cup will be remembered for a long time to come as a pivotal moment in the nation’s history. It has brought unprecedented levels of development and investment to the country and put it on the global stage. With preparations in full swing, all eyes are now on 2023 as the football season returns to its regular pace and timing.
The arrival of some big-name players in the Premier League means that fans will be treated to some exciting matchups between top teams as they battle it out in pursuit of the title. With the likes of Manchester City, Liverpool, and Chelsea all set to compete for the trophy, there is sure to be plenty
of drama and entertainment along the way. Fans can also look forward to the return of European competition with the Champions League and Europa League resuming later in the season.
