While My Qatar Gently Weeps
Janno, Johno and Alphy were seated in front of the TV, awaiting the start of the Australia v France World Cup game. All were wearing their green and gold scarves. ‘Thank goodness the Guardians on AC can’t see me wearing football paraphernalia,’ Alphy thought. Back on AC sport was considered an activity practised by very primitive civilisations. However, Alphy, much to his surprise, had come to appreciate and enjoy Sap sports, (something he wouldn’t dare report back to AC). In particular, he had learnt to appreciate the team sports of football of Cricket and football (both Soccer and Aussie Rules,) which all had a large following in Melbourne in particular.
'I feel a little guilty watching this,’ said Janno, ‘knowing thousands of migrant workers have died or been injured as a result of building these World Cup facilities. Are we any better than the Ancient Romans and their Games? Entertainment on the back of human misery.’
'Compounding that, we have also monetised sport on a massive scale world-wide’, said Johno. ‘A modern-day Circus Maximus.’
'Pecunia non olet,’ said Janno, continuing the Roman theme and showing off her Latin. ‘Money has no smell.’
'Especially if you’re FIFA,’ stated Johno.
'So except for Human Rights Watch confirming the abuse in Qatar of Workers rights, Women’s Rights, the LGBT community plus the lack of Freedom of Expression and Press Freedom, Qatar was clearly the fucking perfect choice for FIFA to pick to host a World Cup, scoffed Johno.
'And if that wasn’t enough, due to the extreme summer heat in Qatar, for the first time the tournament had to be moved to a Northern Hemisphere winter season, totally disrupting all European Football Leagues.’
'So how did this situation come about?’ asked Alphy, knowing full well the reason.
'Bribery and Corruption is bloody endemic to FIFA,’ said Johno. ‘FIFA should really stand for Fiefdom Implementing Fraudulent Activities. For example, the US Department of Justice has previously confirmed Qatar representatives bribed FIFA officials.’
Alphy was always amazed how the Saps constantly held ambiguous positions when it came to sport, Qatar being a prime example. On the one hand, millions of spectators criticising their Human Rights record, but still continuing to watch, and attend, in large numbers, the tournament. Then Alphy reflected that if he was perfectly honest, here he was, a reluctant, but willing participant.
Ninety plus minutes later the game finished, Australia losing 4-1 to France. ‘Well France are the current World Cup holders, you’d expect them to be good,’ said Alphy, trying to lift the mood of the room.
'Yes,’ said Johno, ‘I hate to admit it, they were Très Bonza.’
'At least the Matildas are playing well so the Women’s World Cup in Australia next year should be a far more attractive prospect,’ said Janno.
Alphy couldn’t help himself. 'So isn’t the Women’s World Cup also a FIFA event?’ he said Alphy.
'Yes,’ said Johno. ‘No doubt they wanted to have this clean event to SportsWash their image post Qatar. Ironically, the Aussies will be singing what many believe is our de-facto national anthem Waltzing Matilda supporting the Matildas team. An appropriate song for a FIFA event, given it is about theft. Only in this case the swagmen will survive without their comeuppance.’