The World Cup hasn’t started yet, but the controversy over the venue that former FIFA president Sepp Blatter designated twelve years ago, on the eve of the World Cup in South Africa, is intensifying hours after the opening match. With every minute that passes, the tension in Qatar increases, as if the anxiety of seeing the ball roll exasperates everyone around the show. This time it was the turn of the Colombian singer Maluma.

The European and American press strongly question Qatar as a venue for the World Cup due to its human rights policy, the conditions of the workers – mostly Pakistanis – who worked on the construction of the stadiums (a report by the British newspaper Keeper denounced the deaths of 6,500 workers) and restrictions for the LGBTTIQ+ collective.

In an interview on Israeli public television Kan, singer Maluma experienced a moment of unease and ended up leaving the live interview after being asked by the reporter about alleged human rights violations in the country that will host the competition.

“I have to ask you: Shakira and Dua Lipa they refused to participate in this World Cup due to Qatar’s poor human rights record and of course people think ‘Maluma, don’t you have a problem with human rights violations in this country?‘” the reporter asked.

“Yes, but it’s something I can’t fix”, replied the artist. “I just came here to enjoy life and football party. It’s not something I have to get involved in, really. I’m here to enjoy my music and my beautiful life, playing football too,” he added.

The communicator insisted: “But do you understand who will say that your mere presence here helps to cover…?” But Maluma angrily interrupted: “Should I answer this question?”. On the other side of the camera, someone from his team told the artist that he didn’t have to answer, so the Colombian decided to lower the mic and leave the set, ending the interview.

“This is not done, you are rude”Maluma said and left the interview as the reporter tried to explain that he was moved by “people’s thoughts.”