• Euro 2024: No Monologue Linekar?
• Disparity in Western Media:Differential Treatment Between Qatar, Russia and Israel.
As the Euro football tournament commenced on Friday, it is impossible to ignore the controversies and contradictions that have marred recent major football tournaments. The 2018 World Cup in Russia and the 2022 World Cup in Qatar have been focal points of intense scrutiny and criticism from Western media and governments.
The 2018 World Cup in Russia was heavily criticised by Western media, highlighting issues such as political corruption, human rights abuses, and regional conflicts. Similarly, the Qatar World Cup faced severe backlash over labour rights violations and the treatment of migrant workers. The motivations behind this level of scrutiny warrant further examination.
A poignant example of this came from Gary Lineker’s monologue on BBC Sport at the onset of the Qatar World Cup in 2022. Lineker stated:
"Ever since FIFA chose Qatar back in 2010, the smallest nation to have hosted football's greatest competition has faced some big questions. From accusations of corruption in the bidding process to the treatment of migrant workers who built the stadiums where many lost their lives. Homosexuality is illegal here; women's rights and freedom of expression are in the spotlight. Also, the decision six years ago to switch the World Cup from summer to winter. Against that backdrop, there's a tournament to be played, one that will be watched and enjoyed around the world. Stick to football, say FIFA. Well, we will, for a couple of minutes at least."
This statement was lauded by some sections of the media for its boldness in addressing the significant issues surrounding the tournament. However, it also underscores the selective nature of such criticisms.
Selective Treatment of Israel
One of the most striking examples of selective treatment involves the Israeli football team. Despite Israel’s ongoing conflict with Palestine and numerous documented human rights violations in Gaza, the Israeli team has not faced suspension from international football competitions. The United Nations and human rights organisations have frequently condemned actions by Israel in Gaza, including the humanitarian crisis faced by Palestinians created by Israel.
The West often positions itself as a moral authority, taking the high ground on issues of human rights and ethical governance. However, recent events have exposed significant double standards. The criticism of Russia and Qatar contrasts sharply with the leniency shown towards Israel despite its actions in Gaza. This discrepancy is further exasperated by the influence of lobbying groups, such as AIPAC, which exert influence over political players in the West. This influence underscores the pervasive corruption and selective application of ethical standards in international politics and sports governance.
In contrast, the Russian football team has been suspended from international competitions since the onset of the Russia-Ukraine conflict. This disparity in treatment highlights biases in how sports organisations respond. The absence of similar actions against Israel raises questions about the motivations behind these decisions. Recently, there have even been discussions about potentially reinstating Russia into international football competitions. This move could be seen as a way for FIFA to avoid a difficult political decision, highlighting the organisation’s corruption and weakness in applying consistent standards.
Hypocrisy and Reality
The 2020 Euro tournament in England was tarnished by incidents of hooliganism, particularly during the final. Fans clashed with police, and many stormed Wembley Stadium without tickets, creating a chaotic and unsafe environment. Additionally, the tournament saw a significant increase in racist abuse directed at players, especially on social media, highlighting issues within the football community in England. Russia’s 2018 World Cup showcased stringent measures effectively controlling potential hooliganism, demonstrating a disciplined approach to maintaining order. Qatar’s 2022 World Cup further exemplified exemplary fan behaviour, largely attributed to the controlled environment and limited alcohol availability.
Many people, including former footballer Rio Ferdinand, thoroughly enjoyed the tournament in Qatar. Ferdinand praised the quality of the tournament and its fans, highlighting Qatar’s culture and the positive experiences shared by those attending. He expressed feeling “blessed” to witness Lionel Messi’s historic performance in the final. Similarly, the 2018 World Cup in Russia was widely celebrated for its excellent organisation and vibrant atmosphere, providing a great spectacle for fans worldwide.
Western nations often critique other countries and attempt to position themselves as a moral compass, which appears hypocritical given the persistent and severe issues in managing fan disorder domestically as well as the inconsistent application of standards on occupying forces. This duality raises important questions about the efficacy and integrity of these moral assertions.
The people are waking up to these inconsistencies and hypocrisies. More people are converting to Islam, seeing it as a beacon of justice and truth amid the turmoil. The Ummah is growing and becoming more united than ever in such difficult times, finding strength and solidarity in their faith. This resurgence is a testament to the resilience and unity of the Muslim community worldwide.
As the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:
“The believers are like one body in their mutual love and mercy; if one limb suffers, the whole body responds to it with wakefulness and fever.”
