Quatar 2023 football world championship

Eisenwurst · 11-05-22, 07:27 AM

Here you go Sky.....Namewee's just come back from there. He gives lots of information to digest. His comments come thick and fast......the subtitles are quick.....but he's a funny bugger, who's been in trouble with strict religious authorities so he's being very careful with what he says.

The girls in his music video were imported from overseas....not local girls.

Skybird · 11-08-22, 06:10 AM

^ Just FYI, I watched it.

Here is another critical reporter's report, printed in FOCUS:
------------------------------

Jochen Breyer, ZDF's anchorman during the World Cup in Qatar, is not taking it easy. The 39-year-old sports journalist traveled to the controversial Gulf state twice before the tournament for a primetime documentary. A critical interview about soccer and its business models.

ZDF journalist Jochen Breyer traveled through Qatar before the start of the World Cup to get an idea of what life is like in the small Gulf state. His film "Geheimsache Qatar" will be shown on Tuesday, November 8, at 8:15 p.m., on ZDF. In the interview, Breyer talks about indoor amusement parks with roller coasters and Venetian gondolas, as well as the reason why we are as much to blame for a World Cup in Qatar as the Qatari rulers themselves.

teleschau: In the film, you deal with the country itself and the controversial awarding of the World Cup. At the same time, you are the ZDF anchorman for the World Cup matches. Does that fit together?

Jochen Breyer: That's exactly why I wanted to make this film. Because the World Cup in Qatar is the most difficult event I've hosted as a journalist so far. I didn't want to do this job without having been in the country myself first and having gathered my own impressions.

teleschau: When you say "most difficult event" - what is the dilemma?

Breyer: During the World Cup, we want to get people excited about the sport in Qatar, because ultimately it's about sport. Nevertheless, there is much more at stake: Qatar wants to use the event as an advertising show. As the broadcaster, it will be up to us, among others, to put all this into perspective. That's why it was so important for me to go there and see for myself what this tournament could be like. And I also wanted to understand how Qatar managed to get this World Cup.

teleschau: How great is the danger of transferring positive feelings on the ground - beautiful stadiums, great games - to the host, that is, the country of Qatar?

Breyer: You are referring to what is known as "sportswashing": major sporting events that whitewash authoritarian regimes. That this is exactly what Qatar is aiming for is something I felt myself on my filming trips. We couldn't just shoot what we wanted there, but only what we were allowed to. The authorities wanted to present us with a glossed-over picture. And we always had an escort by our side to control us.

teleschau: What were you allowed to see?

Breyer: For example, the stadiums, which are really impressive. I have seen many stadiums, but these are among the most beautiful and spectacular. Of course, money didn't play a role either - and neither did sustainability, by the way. Then we were taken up to a skyscraper, from where we had a crazy view over Doha with its skyline. We were shown beautiful facades. But we were not supposed to see what lies behind the facade.

teleschau: So there were things you were not allowed to film ...

Breyer: We would have liked to take a look at Qatari life. And we would have liked to speak openly with those responsible. We had asked the head of the World Cup organization. We also had an interview confirmed, but that fell through at the last minute. What we did manage to do was to visit a Qatari family once. Even if it was a former soccer star of the country and Qatari World Cup ambassador.

teleschau: Had you tried to shed light on the working conditions on the World Cup construction sites?

Breyer: We didn't try to do that because I had the feeling that other media had already reported on this comprehensively and very well. We were interested in looking at the private side of things. That's why we asked if we could watch soccer with our host family. That went ahead on our second visit - and it was very revealing.

teleschau: In what way?

Breyer: We watch the game in a kind of separate living room to which only men have access. Tea is drunk there and shisha is smoked. You are served by employees who are always on call to hand you food or drinks. My host said: If he wants, they will still be there tomorrow morning. An irritating feeling.

teleschau: What was the most depressing moment for you during your reportage?

Breyer: It was when I talked about human rights with Khalid Salman Al-Muhannadi, the World Cup ambassador, whom we were allowed to visit. Also how the staff there were treated, people from the Philippines, was disturbing. They were treated badly. There has been a lot of talk about the exploitation of construction workers. Domestic workers are doing even worse because their work is hidden. This exploitation must be really terrible, says Amnesty International. You could get an idea of that by looking at their work there.

teleschau: When exactly were you in Qatar?

Breyer: In June and then again recently. We wanted to schedule our first visit at a time when the World Cup would normally have taken place. I can only say: June had up to 50 degrees, it would have been madness. I was in Death Valley once, it was nothing compared to that. In Qatar, the entire life takes place indoors during the summer months. Often in huge shopping malls that look like covered cities - including amusement parks with roller coasters and Venetian gondolas in which you cross the malls on canals. Qataris spend entire weekends in such complexes. Outside, we met absolutely no one in June. Not even on the beach for a swim.

teleschau: Did you have the feeling that you were in an unjust state?

Breyer: We definitely had the feeling that we were in a surveillance state. There are cameras on every corner and in every street. We were traveling in a newly built neighborhood in Doha with 25,000 inhabitants - and 10,000 cameras. When we unpacked our TV camera there, it didn't take 60 seconds before a security guard was there to check our filming permit and papers.

teleschau: Do you think that happens to people filming with your cell phone?

Breyer: I don't know. We had a professional camera with us, of course, so we were more conspicuous. Qatar is used to having total control over the inhabitants. Always and everywhere. So of course we wondered how it would be at the World Cup. After all, it means a loss of control for the Qataris. At its peak, half a million people will be visiting Doha. The state will try to monitor it all. But how will they react when fans walk around the city topless, when they drink beer, or when two gay men kiss on the street?

teleschau: Do you know how many fans will come?

Breyer: One and a half million fans are expected. The tickets are almost sold out.

teleschau: That doesn't necessarily sound like a boycott ...

Breyer: I can understand everyone who is boycotting the World Cup, but also those who want to go there. After all, it always gives you something to see things with your own eyes. In any case, it's too short-sighted to just point fingers at Qatar. The reasons why they wanted the World Cup are understandable. It's about geostrategy, about sportswashing, and about feeling vulnerable as a small and very rich country. There are powerful neighbors, and you need a lot of alliances, prestige and safeguards.

teleschau: And you get all that by investing massively in other European countries?

Breyer: Exactly, the Qataris own Paris St. Germain or are top sponsors of FC Bayern Munich. They have acquired the rights to some European leagues via a TV station and broadcast them in the Arab world. That, too, creates influence. Qatar's goal was to create as many dependencies as possible. They have succeeded in doing that. But only because there were many in soccer, and especially in FIFA, who went along with it. Paris St. Germain allowed itself to be bought. FC Bayern and the European soccer leagues let themselves be paid dearly, through sponsorship contracts and TV rights deals. In this respect, it is not enough to say that the bad guys are only in Qatar!

teleschau: All these dependencies mean that Qatar can only be criticized to a limited extent, right?

Breyer: That's exactly how it is. You only have to look at how the officials of FC Bayern talk about Qatar. Unlike those of other clubs - because they are contractual partners of the state-owned airline. FIFA is also sponsored to a considerable extent by Qatari companies.

teleschau: Investigative research on the last World Cup awards suggests that at least since the 2006 summer fairy tale, many or all World Cups have been "bought." Is that also your impression?

Breyer: There is at least credible evidence that the World Cup was not awarded cleanly to Germany. And the one to Russia - I don't believe that the vote was fair from a purely sporting point of view either.

teleschau: You also visited Sepp Blatter for your film. He was FIFA president when the World Cup was awarded to Qatar. What did you hope to gain from the visit?

Breyer: Above all, I wanted to know why the 2010 bid was approved in the first place. Because everyone knew that no World Cup could take place at 50 degrees Celsius. Even FIFA's review committee itself stated that in its report.

teleschau: And what did Sepp Blatter say in reply?

Breyer: He said they allowed the bid because they didn't think they could win. And then they started to work ...

teleschau: Do you believe that major sporting events can change anything in totalitarian countries?

Breyer: I have my doubts about that. Have Russia or China changed after the World Cup or the Olympic Games? In the short term, the human rights situation may improve. That is, when the spotlight of the world is on a country. My first Olympics were in Beijing in 2008, when the focus was on Tibet and repression. Has anything improved since then? That doesn't mean it will be the same with Qatar. Even human rights organizations say that the legal situation of migrant workers has improved. The question is whether that will remain the case when the world no longer looks so critically at Qatar.
-------------------------

mapuc · 11-08-22, 06:53 AM

^ If I remember it I'm going to watch this documentary on ZDF. Only disadvantage is that UT doesn't work with DVB T2(Via Satellite or cable)

I got a lot more with UT than without.

Markus

Skybird · 11-13-22, 12:41 PM

Front Office Sports has calculated the financial costs for the championship in Quatar. It costs more than all previous tournaments together.

In billion dollars:

Madness. That is insane.

Jimbuna · 11-13-22, 01:11 PM

Adds more proof this is all about money and little else.

mapuc · 11-13-22, 01:17 PM

Even Human rights are forbidden

Quote:

Designed by Danish sportswear giants Hummel, the kits feature a toned down crest and logos, and an all-black kit to signify the ‘colour of morning’ – intended to send a message about Qatar’s poor human rights record.

https://talksport.com/football/12430...up-qatar-2022/

Markus

Ostfriese · 11-13-22, 01:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jimbuna

Adds more proof this is all about money and little else.

It does, but it didn't need any more proof anyway.

Jimbuna · 11-13-22, 01:26 PM

I know it will never happen but I'd love to see half a dozen prominent teams decide against competing.

mapuc · 11-13-22, 01:29 PM

Mr Klopp have an interesting input

Quote:

Players and managers must not repeatedly be asked to stand up for migrant workers and human rights issues in Qatar as nothing was done when the country was awarded the World Cup 12 years ago, says Liverpool manager Juergen Klopp

https://keepup.com.au/news/players-n...-protest-klopp

Markus

11-05-22, 07:27 AM	#1
Eisenwurst Silent Hunter Join Date: Jan 2010 Posts: 3,767 Downloads: 58 Uploads: 0	Here you go Sky.....Namewee's just come back from there. He gives lots of information to digest. His comments come thick and fast......the subtitles are quick.....but he's a funny bugger, who's been in trouble with strict religious authorities so he's being very careful with what he says. The girls in his music video were imported from overseas....not local girls. __________________ Last edited by Eisenwurst; 11-05-22 at 07:51 AM.

11-08-22, 06:10 AM	#2
Skybird Soaring Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: the mental asylum named Germany Posts: 42,706 Downloads: 10 Uploads: 0	^ Just FYI, I watched it. Here is another critical reporter's report, printed in FOCUS: ------------------------------ Jochen Breyer, ZDF's anchorman during the World Cup in Qatar, is not taking it easy. The 39-year-old sports journalist traveled to the controversial Gulf state twice before the tournament for a primetime documentary. A critical interview about soccer and its business models. ZDF journalist Jochen Breyer traveled through Qatar before the start of the World Cup to get an idea of what life is like in the small Gulf state. His film "Geheimsache Qatar" will be shown on Tuesday, November 8, at 8:15 p.m., on ZDF. In the interview, Breyer talks about indoor amusement parks with roller coasters and Venetian gondolas, as well as the reason why we are as much to blame for a World Cup in Qatar as the Qatari rulers themselves. teleschau: In the film, you deal with the country itself and the controversial awarding of the World Cup. At the same time, you are the ZDF anchorman for the World Cup matches. Does that fit together? Jochen Breyer: That's exactly why I wanted to make this film. Because the World Cup in Qatar is the most difficult event I've hosted as a journalist so far. I didn't want to do this job without having been in the country myself first and having gathered my own impressions. teleschau: When you say "most difficult event" - what is the dilemma? Breyer: During the World Cup, we want to get people excited about the sport in Qatar, because ultimately it's about sport. Nevertheless, there is much more at stake: Qatar wants to use the event as an advertising show. As the broadcaster, it will be up to us, among others, to put all this into perspective. That's why it was so important for me to go there and see for myself what this tournament could be like. And I also wanted to understand how Qatar managed to get this World Cup. teleschau: How great is the danger of transferring positive feelings on the ground - beautiful stadiums, great games - to the host, that is, the country of Qatar? Breyer: You are referring to what is known as "sportswashing": major sporting events that whitewash authoritarian regimes. That this is exactly what Qatar is aiming for is something I felt myself on my filming trips. We couldn't just shoot what we wanted there, but only what we were allowed to. The authorities wanted to present us with a glossed-over picture. And we always had an escort by our side to control us. teleschau: What were you allowed to see? Breyer: For example, the stadiums, which are really impressive. I have seen many stadiums, but these are among the most beautiful and spectacular. Of course, money didn't play a role either - and neither did sustainability, by the way. Then we were taken up to a skyscraper, from where we had a crazy view over Doha with its skyline. We were shown beautiful facades. But we were not supposed to see what lies behind the facade. teleschau: So there were things you were not allowed to film ... Breyer: We would have liked to take a look at Qatari life. And we would have liked to speak openly with those responsible. We had asked the head of the World Cup organization. We also had an interview confirmed, but that fell through at the last minute. What we did manage to do was to visit a Qatari family once. Even if it was a former soccer star of the country and Qatari World Cup ambassador. teleschau: Had you tried to shed light on the working conditions on the World Cup construction sites? Breyer: We didn't try to do that because I had the feeling that other media had already reported on this comprehensively and very well. We were interested in looking at the private side of things. That's why we asked if we could watch soccer with our host family. That went ahead on our second visit - and it was very revealing. teleschau: In what way? Breyer: We watch the game in a kind of separate living room to which only men have access. Tea is drunk there and shisha is smoked. You are served by employees who are always on call to hand you food or drinks. My host said: If he wants, they will still be there tomorrow morning. An irritating feeling. teleschau: What was the most depressing moment for you during your reportage? Breyer: It was when I talked about human rights with Khalid Salman Al-Muhannadi, the World Cup ambassador, whom we were allowed to visit. Also how the staff there were treated, people from the Philippines, was disturbing. They were treated badly. There has been a lot of talk about the exploitation of construction workers. Domestic workers are doing even worse because their work is hidden. This exploitation must be really terrible, says Amnesty International. You could get an idea of that by looking at their work there. teleschau: When exactly were you in Qatar? Breyer: In June and then again recently. We wanted to schedule our first visit at a time when the World Cup would normally have taken place. I can only say: June had up to 50 degrees, it would have been madness. I was in Death Valley once, it was nothing compared to that. In Qatar, the entire life takes place indoors during the summer months. Often in huge shopping malls that look like covered cities - including amusement parks with roller coasters and Venetian gondolas in which you cross the malls on canals. Qataris spend entire weekends in such complexes. Outside, we met absolutely no one in June. Not even on the beach for a swim. teleschau: Did you have the feeling that you were in an unjust state? Breyer: We definitely had the feeling that we were in a surveillance state. There are cameras on every corner and in every street. We were traveling in a newly built neighborhood in Doha with 25,000 inhabitants - and 10,000 cameras. When we unpacked our TV camera there, it didn't take 60 seconds before a security guard was there to check our filming permit and papers. teleschau: Do you think that happens to people filming with your cell phone? Breyer: I don't know. We had a professional camera with us, of course, so we were more conspicuous. Qatar is used to having total control over the inhabitants. Always and everywhere. So of course we wondered how it would be at the World Cup. After all, it means a loss of control for the Qataris. At its peak, half a million people will be visiting Doha. The state will try to monitor it all. But how will they react when fans walk around the city topless, when they drink beer, or when two gay men kiss on the street? teleschau: Do you know how many fans will come? Breyer: One and a half million fans are expected. The tickets are almost sold out. teleschau: That doesn't necessarily sound like a boycott ... Breyer: I can understand everyone who is boycotting the World Cup, but also those who want to go there. After all, it always gives you something to see things with your own eyes. In any case, it's too short-sighted to just point fingers at Qatar. The reasons why they wanted the World Cup are understandable. It's about geostrategy, about sportswashing, and about feeling vulnerable as a small and very rich country. There are powerful neighbors, and you need a lot of alliances, prestige and safeguards. teleschau: And you get all that by investing massively in other European countries? Breyer: Exactly, the Qataris own Paris St. Germain or are top sponsors of FC Bayern Munich. They have acquired the rights to some European leagues via a TV station and broadcast them in the Arab world. That, too, creates influence. Qatar's goal was to create as many dependencies as possible. They have succeeded in doing that. But only because there were many in soccer, and especially in FIFA, who went along with it. Paris St. Germain allowed itself to be bought. FC Bayern and the European soccer leagues let themselves be paid dearly, through sponsorship contracts and TV rights deals. In this respect, it is not enough to say that the bad guys are only in Qatar! teleschau: All these dependencies mean that Qatar can only be criticized to a limited extent, right? Breyer: That's exactly how it is. You only have to look at how the officials of FC Bayern talk about Qatar. Unlike those of other clubs - because they are contractual partners of the state-owned airline. FIFA is also sponsored to a considerable extent by Qatari companies. teleschau: Investigative research on the last World Cup awards suggests that at least since the 2006 summer fairy tale, many or all World Cups have been "bought." Is that also your impression? Breyer: There is at least credible evidence that the World Cup was not awarded cleanly to Germany. And the one to Russia - I don't believe that the vote was fair from a purely sporting point of view either. teleschau: You also visited Sepp Blatter for your film. He was FIFA president when the World Cup was awarded to Qatar. What did you hope to gain from the visit? Breyer: Above all, I wanted to know why the 2010 bid was approved in the first place. Because everyone knew that no World Cup could take place at 50 degrees Celsius. Even FIFA's review committee itself stated that in its report. teleschau: And what did Sepp Blatter say in reply? Breyer: He said they allowed the bid because they didn't think they could win. And then they started to work ... teleschau: Do you believe that major sporting events can change anything in totalitarian countries? Breyer: I have my doubts about that. Have Russia or China changed after the World Cup or the Olympic Games? In the short term, the human rights situation may improve. That is, when the spotlight of the world is on a country. My first Olympics were in Beijing in 2008, when the focus was on Tibet and repression. Has anything improved since then? That doesn't mean it will be the same with Qatar. Even human rights organizations say that the legal situation of migrant workers has improved. The question is whether that will remain the case when the world no longer looks so critically at Qatar. ------------------------- __________________ If you feel nuts, consult an expert.

11-08-22, 06:53 AM	#3
mapuc CINC Pacific Fleet Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Denmark Posts: 20,553 Downloads: 37 Uploads: 0	^ If I remember it I'm going to watch this documentary on ZDF. Only disadvantage is that UT doesn't work with DVB T2(Via Satellite or cable) I got a lot more with UT than without. Markus __________________ My little lovely female cat

11-13-22, 12:41 PM	#4
Skybird Soaring Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: the mental asylum named Germany Posts: 42,706 Downloads: 10 Uploads: 0	Front Office Sports has calculated the financial costs for the championship in Quatar. It costs more than all previous tournaments together. In billion dollars: Madness. That is insane. __________________ If you feel nuts, consult an expert.

11-13-22, 01:11 PM	#5
Jimbuna Chief of the Boat Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: 250 metres below the surface Posts: 190,844 Downloads: 63 Uploads: 13	Adds more proof this is all about money and little else. __________________ Wise men speak because they have something to say; Fools because they have to say something. Oh my God, not again!!

11-13-22, 01:26 PM	#8
Jimbuna Chief of the Boat Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: 250 metres below the surface Posts: 190,844 Downloads: 63 Uploads: 13	I know it will never happen but I'd love to see half a dozen prominent teams decide against competing. __________________ Wise men speak because they have something to say; Fools because they have to say something. Oh my God, not again!!