Ahead of the 2022 tournament in Qatar, numerous boycott efforts and protest movements emerged over human rights concerns.
Activists, human rights groups, and several public figures urged fans to boycott the event in protest against Qatar’s treatment of migrant workers, as well as restrictions on LGBTQ+ communities and civil liberties. Homosexuality is illegal in Qatar.
Meanwhile, across social media platforms worldwide, boycott movements targeting a World Cup hosted by the United States are gaining momentum.
Many critics have condemned U.S. military actions in various regions in the lead-up to the tournament, arguing that such actions fundamentally undermine the spirit of the World Cup, which is meant to uphold values of sportsmanship and global peace.
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A number of influencers have also complained about what they see as FIFA’s double standards.
They point out that Russia was sanctioned and banned from international competition following its invasion of Ukraine, while the United States has faced no such penalties despite its recent military action in Venezuela and the arrest of the country’s head of state.
On the other hand, for football fans who still plan to travel to the United States to watch the matches this summer, the Trump administration last month introduced a new program called the “FIFA PASS,” aimed at fast-tracking visa interview processes for ticket holders.
The FIFA Prioritized Appointments Scheduling System is designed to help international fans enter the United States more quickly, without relaxing the government’s strict immigration policies.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino, who appeared alongside Trump in the Oval Office, welcomed the initiative, saying it would help accommodate the expected surge in visitors for the tournament, which is set to begin in June.***
