One year after the football World Cup in Qatar – Olof Lundh on the criticism

Fifa’s choice to host the World Cup in Qatar received strong criticism from several quarters, mainly because of women’s rights in the country, Qatar’s view on homosexuality and not least the rights of workers.

It also required substantial reconstruction in the country. In addition to a handful of new state-of-the-art stadiums, a new subway, an expanded airport, new roads and hotels were built. All at a cost of at least 2,000 billion.

During construction, thousands of guest workers from poor countries are estimated to have died. Fifa believes that it is about three people, while various human rights organizations count at 15,000.

– Fifa has dedicated itself to only thinking about the stadiums, and then claims three. Those who have compiled statistics count everyone who has died. Some may have died of natural causes, but no one believes that so many have died from it, says Olof Lundh.

He continues:

– That is the sad thing. It is clear that Qatar had the resources to investigate how all the young people have died. But that has not been done. They have written “natural causes” and then sent them back to their countries.

Fifa promised to take responsibility, including by starting a fund for relatives. But not much seems to have happened with Fifa’s promises.

– There is a lot of uncertainty, but far too few answers.

“Proud of the WC”

Olof Lundh and TV4’s team are back in Qatar, as the first Swedish media team since the World Cup at the end of 2022. This time to cover the Asian Football Championship, which is also played in the country. There is no focus on what was criticized during the WC, according to Lundh.

– When you talk to Qataris, they are proud of the WC. They point out the double standards from the West. That we like to criticize them and then buy their gas. However, when talking to migrant workers, it is more difficult. They are cautious and afraid. Much safer than before when I was here two years ago.

– Here there is a huge discrepancy between the two opinions. It is striking that from the Muslim side they think we are hypocrites.

Now the sport is in full swing in the country.

– Henrik von Eckermann won a horse race here. In a few weeks, Sarah Sjöström will come and swim at the World Swimming Championships. There is a lot of sport going on in Qatar, but not much discussion.

New WC in the Middle East

In 2034, another major football championship awaits in the Middle East. Then in Saudi Arabia. It’s not quite official yet, but it’s expected to be so in the near future. The way Saudi Arabia has become a final candidate has led many to criticize Fifa.

– Everything is sort of ready for them to win the WC. It is the only candidate country. It’s a bit like North Korea. There is not much to vote for, says Lundh.