Chairman of the Finnish Football Association Ari Lahti is on site at the controversial FIFA World Cup in Qatar. Lahti’s decision to travel to Qatar aroused and has aroused criticism during the autumn.
The country’s social grievances have been on the surface for years and only rose as the h-moment of the Games approached. It has been hoped that the president of the Finnish Football Association will boycott the games. Lahti has said that he understands the criticism, but considers presence important from the point of view of influence.
The games will start on Sunday, when the host Qatar will face Ecuador.
– Of course, we are satisfied that everything has been completed and the competitions are ready to start in terms of the framework. It is unfortunate that there is such a black or gray fog curtain in front of these games related to human rights and the status of migrant workers.
– I remember that when I was young, the soccer World Cup was the event that was much awaited. It’s a shame that such a curtain is now in front. However, these are important issues and the Football Association wants to be involved in these, Lahti tells Urheilu in Qatar.
Lahti says that if Finland had cleared its way to the final tournament of 32 countries, it would have accepted the place.
– Already during the qualifiers, the Pallloiito board had a thorough discussion about not boycotting these games, he states.
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According to Lahti, human rights issues can be influenced during the Games by raising issues and participating in the discussion.
– That is why we are here. Can influence things. If we had boycotted and I hadn’t come here, it would have been turning my back on Fifa and those values. We wouldn’t even have tried to influence it. In that sense, it is important to be there.
Lahti will visit the World Cup twice in total. He will also participate in the final stage of the Games.
Is it necessary a second time?
– Of course it is necessary on the same grounds. Then there are presidents from almost all countries here. The next big decision Fifa will make is the 2030 World Cup, Lahti says.
Saudi Arabia has expressed its desire to organize the World Cup event in question. Saudi Arabia’s human rights situation also arouses criticism in Western countries.
Lahti says that it is not yet clear whether the country will apply for the Games.
– It is certain that no matter who applied for the Games, human rights and migrant workers’ issues will certainly be reviewed, as well as climate issues, for example.
Infantino’s confusing statements
In recent days, the games in Qatar have taken new turns when the president of Fifa Gianni Infantino has given special comments. At Saturday’s press conference, Infantino gave a long monologue.
The tone of the speech was stinging. He opened his speech confusingly.
– I have strong feelings today. I feel Qatari. In Arabic. To be African. To be gay. Developmentally disabled. As a migrant worker.
With his comment, Infantino apparently wanted to poke fun at, for example, journalists who criticized the Qatar Games.
Among other things Sky Sports (you switch to another service) According to Infantino directed his criticism towards Western countries and especially European countries.
– European countries should apologize for the next 3,000 years before we start giving moral lessons, Intantino formulated.
Infantino continued his speech as follows.
– How many of the European or Western companies that make millions and billions in Qatar have discussed the rights of migrant workers with the authorities?
– Not one of them. If you change the legislation, it means a decrease in profit. Fifa produces much less than any of these companies operating in Qatar, Infantino shot.
Also kudos to the Fifa president
Lahti told in his interview on Saturday that he had not seen Infantino’s latest press conference, but had noticed the football boss’ previous statements.
– Admittedly, I myself have wondered about the statements that Infantino has made in recent days. They seem naive after all this talk.
– I know that Infantino has done a lot of good and reformed Fifa’s decision-making system and has always taken it in a more transparent direction.
According to Lahti, Infantino has also improved Fifa’s use of money.
– Fifa gives international confederations a significant amount of money. When I became chairman in 2018, I heard what was happening with money in Asia and Africa. Infantino has brought more discipline to it. It is necessary to report on where Fifa’s support millions in each association go. That’s the right direction.
However, Lahti adds that he still condemns Infantino’s statements of the last few days.
– As I said, even his previous comments have sounded naive.