Is anyone else boycotting the World Cup?

[TruckDriving]

Couldn't see a thread specifically on this. I've said I'm not watching any games. I know I'm one insignificant person but I don't want to add another 1 to the viewing figures. I'm furious listening to all the commentators / footballers saying "let's focus on the football now".

Countries boycotted South African sports tournaments due to apartheid. Why are we (as a country / team) just blindly going ahead with this now? England, France, Germany, USA etc should all be boycotting.

And as for David Beckham... he really has put the last nail in the coffin of his alleged integrity hasn't he. Knows he's never getting a knighthood so thought WTF I'll just grab the £150 MILLION.

Anyway sorry for rant. Has anyone else decided not to watch it this time for these reasons?

@Dubonet wholeheartedly agree with your post. I lived in Qatar for 4 years and whilst it does have major issues my reality of living there is very different to how the media portrays……..

It's OK for everyone who is sitting safely in their own home behind keyboards saying oh these players are weak and we are disappointed they are not wearing a band BUT it is those players than can face jail time and sanctions for openly displaying those armbands they have a right to protect themselves

Everyone really cares and is ever so outraged until the coverage ends then it's never mentioned again.

Long before that. Once the football starts in earnest all the performative 'concerns about human rights' will be forgotten.

I’ll be watching and I’m fed up of the performative outrage from people who don’t usually give a shit and are hypocrites.

That was in relation to his controversial interview with Piers Morgan and his future after Manchester United.

His words:

"Stop asking my team-mates about me. If you ask other players about Cristiano Ronaldo, I would be upset. If you want to ask them about the World Cup and the team, I would like you to do that."

100% this.

Boycott here.

Usually partner and I compete against each other betting on matches (same initial stake £20 each) to see who makes the most over the course of a tournament.

Also, we usually have multiple days out, lunch and drinks etc., at our local which shows WC/Euro matches.

We're definitely missing those activities.

why did the female welsh supporter even take a rainbow hat to the match? what did she think would happen?

I'm not actively boycotting because I don't watch football but I can see why people would. More so I can't understand these legions of fans actually going to Qatar. Who in their right mind would ever travel to such a place .

Iranian activists were begging players to do the hair cut signals in solidarity with Iran people.

But you know holding big tournaments in places like this really brings the injustices to the fore?
My dd for instance has been learning all about Iran and the inequalities in Qatar. I don't think these host countries really understand how free libral countrys perceive them.

I also find it odd that kane wanted to wear the LGBT arm band but no references to women? Half the population living in servitude with no rights?

Yes but only because I hate football and don't watch it anyway. My brother is volunteering out there so I guess it evens out.

I'm not watching, although I wouldn't ordinarily do more than dip in and out. It's not just Qatar, Fifa and the whole event has just become a huge, corrupt, money-grabbing farce.

I admire the people who do boycott it My problem is that I have no interest in football so can’t make a stand by not watching!

Yep.

Assume you don't watch any films either!

Indeed! Such hypocrisy. And so laughable to see the virtue-signallers struggle to explain why they’re taking Qatar’s money.

Just own it and get on with the football. A sport which requires very little money and equipment to train - just a ball - so is accessible to everyone in the world, not just a select few. Which is why it is popular in poor countries as well as rich and why the best players in the world really are the best.

There will be plenty of time after the World Cup to promote human rights in Qatar - though of course this won’t happen because when the spotlight is off it, the virtue signallers will scuttle off to the next populist cause.

Gay football fans attending the match should have nothing to fear. It wouldn’t occur to me to discuss my sexuality with the security guards when I’m attending a public event and I don’t see why anyone else would.

No. I know how wrong it is, how much corruption there is. But I can't change that, now. Dh watched it yesterday. Ds2 watched in school. Their cheers and excitement after a shit covid, melted my heart.

Gay football fans attending the match should have nothing to fear. It wouldn’t occur to me to discuss my sexuality with the security guards when I’m attending a public event and I don’t see why anyone else would.

Oh really? What about when they wish to hold their husbands hand when walking to their hotel, or kiss their wife when out for a walk?

I'll be watching it ☺️ love David Beckham

Argentina 1-2 Saudi Arabia (latest score) is an absolutely cracking game so far. Amazing atmosphere.

Public displays of affection are discouraged in many countries. So just wait till you get back to your room, just like anyone else. It’s not that hard at all.

Well they have to not do that. You can't go to Qatar and expect to change their values - the same way we wouldn't like someone to come over from Qatar and be outraged that we do have the freedom to be openly gay. The 'change from within' arguments are total bullshit. If you don't like the regime there then you boycott it.

Fab match! I really enjoyed Keane v Souness at half time too 😆

I can't say I'm boycotting as I have zero interest in football.

I wasn't planning to watch any of it regardless of where it was held.

Watching Saudi Arabia v Argentina right now. Not wearing a hair shirt.