"Unacceptable": Bierhoff sharply criticizes World Cup host Qatar

Created: 06/12/2022, 06:27

By: Andreas Knobloch

Gianni Infantino (left) has to listen to something from Oliver Bierhoff (right).

© dpa 2x

DFB managing director Oliver Bierhoff harshly criticized the hosts five months before the start of the World Cup in Qatar.

He began his criticism with the word "unacceptable."

Munich – For many football fans, there would be a few exceptional days in June.

According to the usual cycle, the 2022 World Cup would again take place in the middle of the year.

In Europe, many would focus on just one thing.

But that is not the case this year, as Qatar was chosen as the host country and the tournament was postponed to the European winter.

The Desert World Championship takes place from November 21st to December 18th.

DFB managing director Oliver Bierhoff has been in demand ever since this tournament was decided.

How sharply does the person responsible express himself against the organizer, who repeatedly experiences negative press through scandalous reports?

Human rights, slavery, deaths during stadium construction - the World Cup is already in a bad light, although there is still some time to go.

DFB: World Cup in Qatar heavily criticized – Bierhoff shoots against the organizer

Bierhoff has now campaigned for homosexual people.

He sharply criticized the host for his attitude towards homosexuality.

“Such treatment of homosexuals is absolutely unacceptable.

He does not correspond to my convictions in any way," said the DFB managing director to the newspapers of the Funke media group.

Homosexuality is banned in Qatar and there are draconian penalties.

Even the death penalty is theoretically possible.

Bierhoff also sees the world association FIFA as responsible.

“What are the award criteria for a World Cup does FIFA actually apply?

Because awarding a tournament is the sharpest sword to push for the necessary changes," said the 54-year-old, adding: "They have to happen before the award and not only afterwards, otherwise you have no more leverage to make them." enforce.” He is convinced “that the award criteria must be closely linked to human rights issues”.

DFB "also has social relevance," says Bierhoff

"The German national team and the German Football Association have not only sporting but also social relevance, they have a certain power," said Bierhoff.

That's why he believes "that it's basically a good thing that we keep talking about these topics outside of sport to create awareness."

The DFB-Elf will play against Hungary on June 11, Flick commented on the personnel situation at the press conference.

It will be interesting to see to what extent the DFB will continue to make critical statements.

In the recent past, the German association has been criticized for its vague or sometimes even missing statements.

Many football fans are considering boycotting the event in November and December.

Sebastian Vettel has also commented on the subject of homosexuality.

The German Formula 1 driver does not hold back with his clear opinion and says: "It might not have been the case in the past, but now I think that a gay Formula 1 driver would be welcome - and rightly so".

Within the paddock he always takes sides, even for competitors like Lewis Hamilton.