This is the online version of Jamil Chad’s newsletter sent yesterday (19). In the complete subscriber-only newsletter, the columnist talks about the possibility of President-elect Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva attending the World Economic Forum in January next year. Do you want to receive the complete package with main column and more information in your email next week? Click here and sign up.
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Dear Mr. Gianni Infantino
I want to tell you a story. On a cold night in Zurich in December 2010, while we were all waiting for the results of the voting for the 2018 and 2022 World Cups to be announced, I sat next to a Scottish colleague minutes before the event started. and coincidentally in the back rows of part of the Qatari delegation.
One of the world’s most controversial and productive spin doctors was sitting in front of me. Mike Lee, who has since passed away, has worked for the Qatari campaign, a country classified as the worst among all the Cup hosts in FIFA’s whitepaper. He got the minimum mark and the only reason he wasn’t removed from the process was a political decision.
It was the candidacy of a country that was humiliated in the IOC (International Olympic Committee) years ago while trying to host the Olympic Games, that had never participated in a World Cup before, that talked about the absurdity of air conditioning in stadiums. .
In the face of the tiny country was the charm of Australia, the technology of Japan, and the political and economic influence of the United States. Actually, Bill Clinton was in the room too.
About thirty minutes remained before Joseph Blatter appeared on stage with the envelope that was supposed to be out of reach. An event that moved $5 billion would be the winner.
Lee then turned to me and made a gesture with his hands that Qatar had been chosen. And he winks and opens a big smile of satisfaction. When I was with the Scotsman, my reaction was cynical. But I thought quietly: “Will they have the guts to do this? Is football really for sale?”
Moments later, when Blatter opens the envelope and the word “Qatar” hits worldwide headlines, Lee turns to us and reaffirms a clear message with his hands: “I told you so”.
Mr President,
The 2022 World Cup is an anomaly. There was no technical reason to justify this.
The 2022 World Cup is the political project of a ruling elite that has bought its place in the world with football.
The 2022 World Cup is immoral and an insult to human rights defenders, activists and environmentalists.
The 2022 World Cup was built on the destruction of blood, tears and dignity of workers who worked in semi-slavery conditions without a summer vacation.
The 2022 World Cup is a mockery for fans around the world who can’t even imagine having the resources to pay to stay in Doha.
While the 2022 World Cup is an affront to women and gays, influencers are sharing the wonders of stadiums’ golden taps on social networks.
Whenever I put forward this vision, I heard two answers:
The 1st Cup will help Qatar open up to the world.
My answer: history shows it’s a big lie???????? In 2008, the IOC used the same argument to talk about the impact of the Olympics on China. And that opening never came.
2. The Cup cannot be the privilege of a few countries in the world.
My answer is; obviously you can’t. But regimes that violate human rights cannot be privileged. those who use the event to show the world a moderate and acceptable face.
Dear Infantino,
Do not be surprised when you feel uncomfortable sitting in the comfortable and luxurious seats of stadiums in Qatar. It may be the desert that surrenders to anyone in this part of the world. Or perhaps they are spirits who are finally able to roam freely around the country with their passports returned by their employers in coffin form.
“Sabían de la muerte, lohard que es el pan” would sing Victor Jara. “Venían del desert, de los hills and del mar”.
Do not be under illusions when you score goals in these beautiful stands. It won’t be able to suppress the roar that resounds in every aisle of these stadiums. A cry of despair from a part of invisible humanity.
tricolor greetings,
Jamil
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source: Noticias
Mark Jones is a world traveler and journalist for News Rebeat. With a curious mind and a love of adventure, Mark brings a unique perspective to the latest global events and provides in-depth and thought-provoking coverage of the world at large.