The British state television network - BBC, chose yesterday (Monday) not to broadcast the opening ceremony of the World Cup, in protest of the complaints against the host Qatar regarding human rights.
Instead of the ceremony, the match between Chelsea and Tottenham in the Women's Premier League was broadcast, which ended after the start of the big event.
Everything that happens in Qatar - on and off the field - on the new Telegram page of "Israel Hayom"
The network's social media team also released a four-minute Instagram video at the same time, recalling the 1982 San Francisco Gay Games to highlight the issue of homophobia in sports.
When the channel moved to the broadcast studios from Qatar, hosts Gary Lineker, commentator Alex Scott and Alan Shearer addressed the allegations leveled against the host country.
"This is the most controversial World Cup in history, and that's before even a ball has been kicked," said Lineker, the former England captain, in his opening monologue.
Gary Lineker.
Strong monologue, photo: AFP
"Since FIFA chose Qatar in 2010, the smallest nation to host soccer's biggest competition has faced some big questions.
From accusations of corruption in the bidding process to the treatment of migrant workers who built the stadiums where many lost their lives.
Homosexuality is illegal there, women's rights and free speech are in the spotlight.
Also the decision six years ago to change the date from summer to winter.
All this before the tournament even started," added Lineker.
Former England international Alex Scott mocked FIFA chief Gianni Infantino for saying in his speech that he could feel solidarity with migrant workers: "You'll never know what it's like.
To keep saying that football is for everyone - it's not," he said.
Shearer went further.
"If he feels so strongly about migrant workers and their families, Amnesty has asked FIFA for just over $400 million in compensation funds.
They did not agree to it.
Why?" he asked.
While the BBC repeatedly highlighted the deaths of migrant workers, Al Jazeera showed the construction crew meeting the England team and claimed that: "If it hadn't been for the beautiful game, these two sets of men, with their different languages and backgrounds, might never have met. But football brought them together."
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