“Don’t forget in 1978, the World Cup went to Argentina while there was a military junta in power that was accused of crimes against its own citizens.
“And we have very short memories for Russia 2018, which was also controversial and, by the way, awarded at a similar timing to Qatar,” said Mr Walton.
FIFA had allowed Russia to go ahead with the 2018 World Cup, despite its annexation of Crimea in 2014.
Mr Walton said there is now increased scrutiny of the decision-making behind World Cup hosting rights. This has led to FIFA making various commitments and promises around transparency, though how it plays out remains to be seen.
THE SHOW GOES ON
Despite the controversies, one of sport’s’ biggest events is going ahead, with fans counting down the days until the opening match between the host nation and Ecuador.
Qatari football fan Mubarak Alkhayarin told CNA that his country has been preparing for the tournament for the past 12 years. “We have been looking forward to this day since 2010, and we hope that everybody likes it,” he said.
Azerbaijan national Faredah Ezeldean said it was an “amazing time for the World Cup”.
UK visitor Ryan Charlton was excited to be soaking in the atmosphere of the tournament, held in the Middle East for the first time.
“We’re really excited to see all the flags, see all the fans. Yeah, just really excited,” he said. “It’s going to be a really great World Cup.”
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