Louis van Gaal delivered an honest verdict on Qatar hosting the next World Cup.
Football has allowed sportswashing to get its dirty hands on football clubs and now the biggest tournaments, and we should give credit to our former manager Van Gaal for speaking his mind when others like Eddie Howe sit on the fence.
The tournament will take place between 21st November-18th December, with play-offs taking place during the current international break.
“I have already mentioned it in previous press conferences,” Van Gaal said, as per The Athletic. “I think it’s ridiculous that the World Cup is there.
“We are playing in a country that FIFA says they want to develop football there. That’s b******t, but it doesn’t matter. It’s about money, about commercial interests. That matters in FIFA.
“Why do you think I’m not on any committee at FIFA or UEFA with my expertise? Because I have always opposed these kinds of organisations.
“I can say that in Qatar later, but that won’t help the world get rid of this problem.”
In light of the human rights abuses that have took place in the country, we can’t help but agree with Van Gaal, and he clearly isn’t worried about getting on FIFA’s payroll with comments like that.
As a football man, why would he? Van Gaal has pocketed enough money throughout his career and has always looked to develop the game.
The World Cup in Qatar is partly responsible for workers being exposed to forced labour, unpaid wages and excessive working hours – but what do they plan on doing with the stadiums when the tournament ends?
Everyone is entitled to his/ her opinion.
Louis is spot on.