Controversy over corruption, migrant workers, women and LGBT rights continue at Qatar World Cup

인권 이어 맥주•교통 대란까지 논란에 휩쌀린 카타르 월드컵 Even as the World Cup kicked off in Qatar this week, footballers and fans aren't just focusing on the games. Ever since it was chosen as the first Middle Eastern country to host the pinnacle event in world football, there's been mounting suspicion over FIFA's selection of Qatar, one of the hottest countries on earth as the venue, and criticism over Qatar's worrying human rights record. The country's treatment of migrant workers who died whilst building state-of-the-art stadiums and the systemic discrimination against women and LGBT people continues to be raised. We take a look at these issues surrounding one of the most controversial sporting events of all time. Joining us today is Steve Han, a Football Writer based in Los Angeles, in the United States and PARK Hyondo of the Sogang Euro-MENA Institute. 1. Steve: Qatar is considered one of the hottest countries in the world. Despite the tournament being played in winter, how are football teams faring under those conditions? Do they face health risks? 2. Steve: Estimates put the cost of Qatar's World Cup at somewhere between 200 and 300 billion dollars. It's also the most expensive World Cup from a fan's perspective with trips costing as much as 20 thousand dollars per person. There's also been some criticism of the state of fan infrastructure and accommodation. How has this contributed to the fan experience at the tournament? 3. Prof. Park:This World Cup in Qatar has put the spotlight on Qatar's human rights record. First, the migrant workers who had to pay their way to get these dangerous and underpaid jobs, only for some to die under terrible conditions from which they weren’t allowed to leave. Has the Qatari government taken these issues seriously enough? 4. Steve: Qatar 2022 is the first World Cup to be hosted in a Muslim nation where alcohol access is restricted. The decision not to sell alcoholic beverages at the stadiums was made two days before the World Cup kicked off. What exactly are the rules and the complications that they bring? 5. Prof. Park: The Football Association of Wales (FAW) was reportedly considering “safe houses” for women and LGBTQ+ supporters. To what extent do you think people will be allowed to be expressly and openly gay? 6. Prof. Park: On one hand you have people who argue every country has human rights issues and that the local culture has to be respected. But then, basic human rights are so often confused with culture and religion and simply going along with the local culture and even partaking in the celebrations – pop stars for instance – raise ethical questions. Should we simply “focus on the football” and hope that the international spotlight will bring change? What should be the course of action? How should we understand or look at these issues? 7. Steve: Have the human rights issues and the controversies surrounding the Qatar World Cup changed the way you think about sports reporting? That was Steve Han, a football writer based in Los Angeles, in the United States and PARK Hyondo of the Sogang Euro-MENA Institute. Thank you for your time today. #world_cup #Qatar #arirang_news 📣 Facebook :   / arirangtvnews   📣 Twitter :   / arirangtvnews   📣 Homepage : https://v2.arirang.com/ 2022-11-23, 09:30 (KST)