Can you watch football at the World Cup with a clear conscience when Qatar is anything but a human rights state?
This question was pursued at the Bundeswehr University.
Neubiberg
– On November 20th, the soccer World Cup will start in Qatar.
Many wonder how they can reconcile sporting enjoyment and the exploitation of local workers.
The author and guests discussed this question at a book presentation at the Bundeswehr University in Neubiberg.
German complicity a reproach
Corrupt FIFA officials, slave-like working conditions and fully air-conditioned stadiums in the desert: the World Cup in Qatar is overshadowed by political and moral discussions.
Can you watch football with a clear conscience?
Or is the World Cup a blessing for the people of the authoritarian regime?
"We are helping to stabilize the system," says author and political scientist Jan Busse at the presentation of his book "The Rebellious Game" at the Bundeswehr University.
He even speaks of "German complicity" with the Qatari monarchs.
However, he also emphasizes that a complete boycott "certainly will not" help.
The World Cup could be an opportunity for activists and underprivileged voices in the country to be heard internationally.
Sport as a foil that can be filled politically
"We always talk about Qatar, but the decisions were made in a small group of FIFA," said Peter Tauber, ex-Secretary General of the CDU and part of the discussion.
For the politician, sport is like "a foil that you can fill politically".
One cannot assume that all major sporting events will take place here or in countries that share our social values.
"Otherwise there will be no more international sporting events." The World Cup is an opportunity for German politicians to represent democratic values in Qatar.
Feuilleton journalist Moritz Baumstieger, on the other hand, says: "I'm not so convinced that football has a transformative power." Overall, a change in sports policy is needed, also with regard to the awarding of the Asian Winter Games to Saudi Arabia.
It's more about money and influence
less about football.
"FIFA and the Olympic Committee don't give a damn where sport takes place," confirms publisher Busse.
There are no women's rights there
Political scientist Anna Reuß also sees the dilemma between international attention and complicity in human rights violations in relation to emancipation: "Women's rights in Qatar will not change just because the world takes a quick look." Nevertheless, political instrumentalization can also have positive social effects.
In addition to Reuss' contribution to women's rights in Arabian Gulf monarchies, the book presented combines articles on sports and power politics in the Middle East and North Africa on almost 300 pages.
From November 20th, should you follow the World Cup with a good or bad conscience – or not at all?
There was no clear answer to that.
In any case, Moritz Baumstieger will watch football with his son – even if he would very much like to dissolve FIFA.
Book: The Rebellious Game
The Power of Football in the Middle East and the Qatar World Cup.
Edited by Jan Busse and René Wildangel.
Available directly from the website of the publisher "Die Werkstatt" for 22 euros.
