10 Biggest FIFA World Cup Controversies

A controversy still fresh in people's mind and increasingly relevant as the competition's start date draws nearer and nearer, Qatar are set to host the 2022 Fifa World Cup, despite having never qualified for the competition in their entire history.

The influence and impact from the Middle East on Football in recent times is fairly obvious to anyone following the sport, and it has always brought with it substantial controversies. Despite claims from the Qatari representatives that the event will be a way of uniting the Arab world with the West, and those from Fifa that claim the country to be a more than suitable host, there have been a number of controversial issues surrounding the upcoming event.

Claims about corruption and bribery between the Qatari hosts, broadcasters and Fifa have emerged ever since the awarding of the tournament and the harsh climate of the country means that the traditional time of hosting the competition in the summer off-season is practically impossible.

Perhaps the most serious of controversies surrounding the 2022 bid is the long history of human rights abuses labelled against Qatar however. Labour rights violations, the lack of freedom of movement and democratic privileges and the persecution of LGBTQ+ and women communities have all been thrown at Qatar over the years, making the idea of letting a country with such allegations host a competition built around community and togetherness just somewhat controversial.