FIFA touts ‘most compact’ World Cup in history
With less than four months to kick off, the apex body is taking care of its communication to promote the event and stifle criticism.
Like the Al Bayt stadium in Al Khor, everything is ready to host the World Cup in Qatar. But will the spirit really be there?
KEYSTONE
As it didn’t take place this summer, the FIFA World Cup is fast approaching – kicking off on November 21, a Monday evening in Doha. Since its attribution to Qatar, twelve years ago in sulphurous conditions which more or less directly led to the implosion of FIFA version Sepp Blatter, the event had to face a lot of contrary publicity. Human rights flouted, bereaved construction sites, climatic obligation to move the tournament to autumn, absence of local football tradition, too expensive accommodation… Varied grievances and various reluctance – what, there will be no alcohol to celebrate the victories or drown defeats?!