The Qatar Football Cup Was a Failure Before It Had Even Started

Here’s why.

Source: Archdaily

I must have been 16 years old when I learned that Russia had been selected for the organization of the 2018 football (and not “soccer”) World Cup.

And Qatar for 2022.

While Russia was a surprise, Qatar wasn’t.

The emirate had already started its worldwide PR communication campaign and everyone knew they wanted to be known the world over as… something else than a gas company.

It was however obvious that Qatar had not been chosen due to its sustainable economy, progressive human rights, nice weather, great infrastructures, or world-renowned tolerance.

Why were they chosen then?

Find out below.

1. Give Me the Money!

The Guardian estimates that Qatar paid up to $200 million to buy the World Cup.

First, they sponsored football events in Africa and directly paid members of the Confederation of African Football that were on the voting FIFA committee to vote for Qatar.

Second, Qatar bought a bunch of French things — The PSG football club, Airbus planes, Rafale planes, buildings, and politicians — in exchange for Michel Platini’s vote on the FIFA committee…