The Fifa Fifa World Cup in Qatar is under way too much controversy. Although I do not really follow sports, the uproar spinning around this year’s World Cup caught my attention.
Many of the analysts and critics have taken up different issues, such as the alcohol ban, working conditions and criminalisation of same-sex relationships, among other grumbles.
While being critical of various matters, these same critics enjoy the affluent entertainment, luxuries, non-essentials and treats made possible by host countries and their workers.
Even though international sporting events like the World Cup offer an opportunity to sports enthusiasts a chance to enjoy sports, it also provides a chance to draw attention to the waste of resources that these mega sporting events have on economies, lives of the working class and the less privileged people.
According to reports, Fifa places taxing terms on host countries and walks away with profits generated from the event.
How does the huge economic cost that is incurred building costly stadiums, hotels and other infrastructure to host fans and the World Cup be recovered when Fifa takes away the income and no taxes levied?
Together with addressing human rights violations around the globe, Fifa and other mega sporting events need to revisit their business models. Business models that feed inequality create social imbalance and repression by demeaning every aspect of life, including sports.
* Mohamed Saeed, Pietermaritzburg.
** The views expressed here are not necessarily those of Independent Media.
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