FIFA has made a controversial decision to start the Men’s World Cup a day earlier than planned to give the host nation, Qatar, a prime-time kick-off.
Qatar will now play Ecuador on November 20, 24 hours earlier than initially planned.
While the host nation has played the first match of the World Cup since 2006, it’s still unclear why Qatar’s first game was not originally scheduled as the tournament opener.
From Qatar’s successful 2010 bid to hold the World Cup to the month-long tournament, there was already plenty of controversy around this year’s event.
What changes have been made?
- Qatar will play Ecuador on November 20, at 7pm local time (2am AEST, 3am AEDT)
- The Netherlands and Senegal had been scheduled to play the first game, on Monday, November 21. This match now moves to the 7pm Monday slot vacated by Qatar vs Ecuador.
‘A huge problem’
Sponsors could have their plans disrupted, according to Ricardo Fort, a former marketing executive with World Cup top-tier backers Coca-Cola and Visa, who described the late date change as “a huge problem”.
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“[The sponsors] invited and confirmed hospitality guests, booked flights and hotels, and contracted with all the necessary logistics. Imagine changing it all? “Fort wrote on his Twitter account of him.
Qatar’s controversial winning bid
The Persian Gulf nation was plagued by corruption and bribery allegations when it won the right to host the event in 2010.
In the decade since, Qatar has spent billions building seven stadiums and vast infrastructure to host the event.
Human rights groups have highlighted the slum living conditions and even deaths of migrant workers during the construction of stadiums.
Last year, it was reported that more than 6,500 migrant workers had died in Qatar since it won the rights to host the World Cup.
Homosexuality is illegal in Qatar. A report by Norwegian Broadcaster showed three of the 69 hotels on FIFA’s official list of recommended accommodations would deny entry to same-sex couples, despite FIFA promises of delivering an inclusive experience that is welcoming and safe to all.
Isn’t the world cup in June-July?
yeah. Qatar committed to stay on soccer’s normal calendar and promised innovative stadium-cooling technology when it bid for hosting rights.
Temperatures routinely hit 45 degrees Celsius (113 degrees Fahrenheit) in the June-July period in Qatar.
However, in 2015, FIFA eventually concluded that a June World Cup in scorching temperatures might not wise for players or fans.
This meant the league games had to change too
So, to escape the desert heat, the tournament was moved into the cooler months of November and December, ultimately screwing up the global football calendar for leagues everywhere.
When FIFA accepted the inevitable need to delay until Qatar’s cooler months, a tough negotiation with European leagues and clubs led to an agreement for a shorter, 28-day program to minimize disruption for domestic soccer.
European leagues — such as England’s Premier League, Germany’s Bundesliga and Italy’s Serie A — will play until the weekend of November 12-13, just seven days before the new opening game date.
However, it’s not just European competitions that are pausing. The A-Leagues in Australia will also be on hiatus during the World Cup
World Cup stadium stands could be alcohol-free
Qatar’s World Cup stadium stands are set to be alcohol-free, with beer sales outside arenas only allowed before and after some matches.
An estimated 1.2 million soccer fans — many of whom are used to drinking beer without limits on match day — are expected to attend the November tournament.
While public drinking is illegal in Qatar, World Cup organizers plan to create specific “zones” and curfews for traveling fans.
When will Australia play in the World Cup?
The Socceroos’ first match will be against France on Wednesday, November 23.
The Men’s World Cup opening game on Sunday evening should play well with viewers in Asia and Europe time zones.
While the final Men’s World Cup game is scheduled on Sunday December 18.
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