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Tag: FIFA

  • Qatar reportedly sending English and Welsh ‘spies’ to promote positivity at the World Cup. 

    Qatar reportedly sending English and Welsh ‘spies’ to promote positivity at the World Cup. 

    The World Cup is up and running in Qatar, but controversy continues to surround the tournament. 

    ‘The Guardian’ reported that several English and Welsh fans are allegedly being paid to promote the event with a generous offer. 

    These fans are said to have been given free tickets to the opening ceremony as well as fully paid flights to the event and free accommodation for a minimum of 14 days.  

    This offer came at the price of a ‘certain terms and conditions contract’.

    According to ‘The Guardian’, they must attend ‘selected and scheduled’ events that promote a positive image for the host country. 

    Fans will also appear in a short section of TV coverage during the opening ceremony. Organisers told the potential travellers that “ideally, we hope you will stay for the entire duration of the 29-day tournament”.  

    This ‘once in a lifetime’ opportunity was given to members of the group, ‘Fan Leader Network’ who Qatari authorities say, “contribute to tournament planning through fan insight, research, content creation and message amplification,” reported by ‘The Guardian’. 

    The contract has been rumoured to encourage positive posting by fans as well as re-sharing posts and flagging social media content critical of the event. 

    According to ‘The Guardian’, the conditions have been compared to that of a social media influencer with a paid promotion.

    Although, these terms have not discouraged some fans as it has been reported by ‘The Times’ that 40 English fans and 40 Welsh fans have agreed to take up the offer as well as fan representatives from all 32 countries.  

    Photo credit: Robin Hursthouse, The Guardian  

    This year’s tournament is expected to be double the cost of the 2018 World Cup held in Russia.  

    ‘The Guardian’ reported that a letter was sent from “President of FIFA, Gianni Infantino to the general secretary of the Fatma Samoura, calling on all 32 competing countries to put concerns over the host country to one side and let football take the stage.” 

    Whilst ignoring the pressing concerns over human rights in Qatar, Infantino wrote that “there are many challenges and difficulties of a political nature all around the world,” but football should not be expected to have the answer to every one.  

    Qatar is said to be building seven stadiums for the World Cup accompanied by a new airport, a new metro station, many new roads and approximately 100 new hotels. 

    The Qatari government has said that about 30,000 foreign labourers have been hired, originating mostly from Bangladesh, India, Nepal and Philippines to build the new stadiums.  

    The ‘BBC’ reported that on 14 August at least 60 workers rallied outside Al Bandary International Group’s Doha offices in protest about unpaid wages. Some reportedly had not been paid for seven weeks.

    According to the ‘BBC’, “a number of protesters were detained, and some were deported, although it’s not known how many.” 

    Many people have spoken out about the terms and conditions and said that they are not surprised by the host country’s actions.  

    As the tournament progresses, concerns are rising over the constant setbacks and last-minute changes that have been made. Despite this, the show goes on.

  • FIFA launch a Social Media Protection Service for the 2022 Qatar World Cup

    FIFA launch a Social Media Protection Service for the 2022 Qatar World Cup

    FIFA, along with the International Football Players Association (FIFRO), launched a service that filters out hate expressions online and social media for players during the 2022 Qatar World Cup.

    International Federation of Association Football (FIFA) uploaded a media release on 16 November: “To tackle discrimination and to protect the mental health and well-being of players, FIFA and FIFPRO- The worldwide representative organisation for professional footballers- are launching a social media protection service (SMPS) in advance of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022.” 

    The social media accounts of all participating players in the World Cup are monitored through SMPS. FIFA explained that it will check public-facing abusive, discriminatory and threatening comments and inform SNS platform providers and law authorities for taking legal action against those who break rules.

    FIFA President Gianni Infantino said “we are happy to launch a service that will help to protect players from damaging effects that social media posts can cause to their mental health and well-being.” FiFPRO President David Aganzo highlighted that “It is football’s responsibility to protect the players and other affected groups against the abuse they increasingly face in and around their workplace”.  

    Former Brazil forward Willian gave full support to SMPS. He has experienced online abuse with himself and his family threatened on social media.“I was suffering a lot, and my family were suffering a lot because people started attacking us on social media, attacking my family, my daughters, and that’s why I’m standing now with FIFA to see if you can stop these kinds of things,” Willian said

    Mistake in a football match, condemnation on social media? 

    When South Korea’s national soccer team captain Son Heung-min, who plays for Tottenham Hotspur in the English Premier League (EPL), was on the operating table due to a facial fracture, some soccer fans poured malicious comments on Chancel Mbemba’s social media posts, who collided with Son Heung-min.

    Earlier, Son Heung-min fell down after hitting Mbemba’s right shoulder in the 25th minute of the first half in an away match against Olympique de Marseille in the 2022-23 UEFA Champions League (UCL) group stage at Stade Velodrome on the 2nd of November.

    Son Heung-min covered his face and complained of severe pain, and eventually left the ground after being replaced in the 29th minute of the first half. He was supported by the medical staff because he could not walk on his own even though he was replaced.

    Source by Tottenham Hotspur’s official Twitter account.

    Afterwards, Tottenham said on its SNS on the 2nd of November, “We can confirm that Heung-Min Son will undergo surgery to stabilize a fracture around his left eye.” 

    About three weeks before the first group qualifying match for the Qatar World Cup for the Korean national team, Son Heung-min was on the operating table and was on the verge of failing to participate in the World Cup. The Korean national team was also on high alert as there was a possibility that Son Heung-min, a representative player of Korean football, could be absent.

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    On Mbemba’s official Instagram post, many football fans condemned him due to the injury of Heung-min Son

    In response, some soccer fans poured out indiscriminate malicious comments toward Mbemba. On Mbemba’s Instagram post, fans left criticism and malicious comments such as “Football is not UFC”. 

    Mbemba’s case illustrates a need for FIFA to operate the Social Media Protection Service for World Cup players. In addition to the legal actions taken by official organisations, fans should also be aware that their comments behind anonymity on social media can leave an indelible mark on one individual and one player

  • Stephanie Roche hopeful of securing top-three spot in 2014 FIFA Puskás Award

    Stephanie Roche hopeful of securing top-three spot in 2014 FIFA Puskás Award

    Republic of Ireland international Stephanie Roche is aiming to take her place among football’s elite when the three-person shortlist for the chance to win the 2014 FIFA Puskás Award in announced on December 1, 2014. 

    Stephanie Roche discusses her chances of landing the prestigious award Photo: James Hopper
    Stephanie Roche discusses her chances of landing the prestigious award. Photo: James Hopper

    The 25 year-old from Shankill in Dublin would be the first woman to ever win the award should she ultimately secure a majority vote at the FIFA Ballon d’Or ceremony on January 12, 2015.

    Established in 2009, the Puskás Award is given to the player – male or female – that has scored the best goal of the year in world football as voted for by the general public. Ferenc Puskás, the Hungarian legend who the award is named after, is one of the top scorers from the 20th century with 512 goals in 528 matches.

    Roche’s strike for Peamount United against Wexford Youths on October 20, 2013 is the only goal scored by a female player on the list of ten candidates.

    With a viral campaign on her side and the whole of the Republic of Ireland adding their support, Roche is certainly in with a chance of creating history. And with family and friends betting in her favour, Roche is trying not to get too excited.

    “A few of them have placed bets yes, I haven’t done it myself so I don’t want to jinx it! A lot of people have been sending me Paddy Power screen shots and stuff like that,” said Roche.

    “The support has been unbelievable to be honest with you. I would just like to say thanks to all of the Irish people, I’ve been trying to say it all week. I’ve obviously been away, but my family have been telling me there’s so much in the paper and on Twitter, so the support has been phenomenal.”

    Back at the 2010 FIFA ceremony, Matty Burrows of Glentoran claimed third place in the Puskás Award after seeing off the likes of Lionel Messi, Giovanni van Bronckhorst and Neymar. With competition proving just as fierce this year, Roche is hopeful that a lesser celebrated league can gain recognition once again.

    “Yeah definitely, I think someone mentioned that to me the other day,” said Roche.  “It’s great to see that he got so far and hopefully I’ll be able to do that as well.”

    Stars of last summer’s World Cup such as James Rodríguez, Tim Cahill and Robin van Persie will likely provide Roche’s sternest opposition. However, should the striker lose out to one of the leading names in world football, she has no doubt as to who deserves to win the award.

    “I follow Manchester United, so I would probably say Robin van Persie. I like him as a player and I remember watching it at the time, thinking it was a great goal, so I’d probably say that.”

    After signing for French Division 1 side ASPTT Albi in July from Peamount United, Roche is still settling in to life in the south of France. And after an encouraging start which has seen the striker score two goals in her first eight games, Roche is looking to take her form into the second half of the season.

    “It’s been really good to be honest, the football has been great. Obviously, it’s a different culture and a different lifestyle, that’s the only difference,” said Roche.

    “Football-wise I’ve loved it; I just want to play as much as I can. I played on Saturday and had a really good game so I just want to build on that and give them everything I can for the year.”

    Voting is open on www.fifa.com until December 1 to reduce the list of candidates from ten to three, with the eventual winner being announced at the FIFA Ballon d’Or gala in Zurich, Switzerland on January 12, 2015.