The World Cup. The ultimate exhibition of the beautiful game is here once more, this time coming to us from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. It’s an exciting time, following our favourite teams as they compete for the greatest prize in football (or soccer, as we call it here in North America).
But, like with most things, there is a dark side to the World Cup. Just as the Super Bowl has heightened sex trafficking in its shadows, the World Cup’s skeleton in the closet sits at the very top: FIFA.
Humorously exposed (caution: mild language) by John Oliver on his HBO show Last Week Tonight, he says FIFA is quite the corrupt organization. Oliver’s scathing rant focused on FIFA’s complete focus on the commercialization and money-making potential of football, capped off by giving the 2022 World Cup to Qatar, a country completely unfit for hosting the tournament. His other points include the construction of a remote, expensive stadium where only four games will be played, their president’s offensive comments about women’s soccer, and FIFA’s status as a tax-exempt “non-profit,” despite being absurdly rich.
But John Oliver isn’t the only one who has complaints. Eric Cantona, a former player himself, has created a documentary about the sport in Brazil, while also skewering FIFA officials for their money grabbing ways, which come at the expense of the poor. More than that, he believes that this strategy is also separating the true roots of soccer — the streets — from the World Cup, by preventing those who grow up on streets from attending the very event that showcases the game they love.
Both Cantona and Oliver are clear in their disgust for FIFA. However, both are also clear that it doesn’t outweigh their love for the game. Like Oliver says, “football is a religion.” Some people, indeed, live for their love of the game. But behind all the pageantry and sports glory is something greater and darker. And it’s high time we were aware of it.
Photo (Flickr CC) by Mariya Butd.
