
<p>ESPN explores the controversy of the <a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/category/world-cup-2022/">2022 World Cup</a> in Qatar in new E60 show. <em>Qatar’s World Cup</em> is set to debut on Sunday, Nov. 6 on ESPN and ESPN+. The show airs at 8:30 p.m. and then subsequently be available to stream on ESPN+ after the initial airing. </p>



<p>E60 is ESPN’s sports newsmagazine television show. The series tends to focus on investigative journalism surrounding the sports world. Debuting in 2007, the highly-praised show has won honors in a multitude of areas. This includes Emmy Awards, Edward R. Murrow Awards, and even a Peabody Award as well.</p>



<p>The upcoming <em>Qatar’s World Cup </em>will help shed light on the massive controversies surrounding the tournament. From the initial selection process, to the migrant worker crisis, the show promises to take a comprehensive look into the World Cup in Qatar.</p>



<h2>ESPN documents controversy surrounding World Cup 2022</h2>



<p>The migrant worker issues inside the Middle Eastern country were first reported by E60 eight years ago. ESPN sent crews to Qatar, specifically capital city Doha, to get firsthand experience of the crisis. These crews witnessed horrible living conditions and even met some of these workers who explained the danger of their jobs.</p>



<p>ESPN also went to nearby countries to speak with families of workers that went on to die during their time in Qatar.</p>



<p>The show will include new footage from E60’s trip back to Qatar earlier this summer. Reporter Jeremy Schapp conducted new interviews, toured the stadiums, and even spoke with officials linked with the World Cup. </p>



<h5>Thousands of migrant workers have reportedly died</h5>



<p><a href="https:\/\/www.theguardian.com/global-development/2021/feb/23/revealed-migrant-worker-deaths-qatar-fifa-world-cup-2022" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Independent reports</a> have previously claimed that an estimated 6,500 migrant workers have died in Qatar since preparations began for the tournament. This comes from a country that is currently one of the richest in the world. Reports also claim that Qatar has spent about $220 million on new stadiums and infrastructure.  </p>



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<p>Timing of <em>Qatar’s World Cup</em> comes at an interesting time. The 2022 World Cup <a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/world-cup-tv-schedule/">begins on November 20th</a>, just two weeks after the E60 show is set to air. </p>



<p><em>PHOTO: IMAGO / Joerg Boethling</em></p>


<div style="background:#f9e4ea;padding:10px;">
<h3>Guide to World Cup 2022</h3>
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Here are some resources to help you get the most out of the biggest event in soccer!
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<a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/world-cup-tv-schedule/"><strong>TV Schedule:</strong></a> All the info on <a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/world-cup-tv-schedule/">where and when to watch</a> every game
</div><div style="padding:10px;">
<a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/2022/04/04/analysis-of-world-cup-groups/"><strong>The Groups:</strong></a> We <a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/2022/04/04/analysis-of-world-cup-groups/">breakdown each group</a> and all the teams
</div><div style="padding:10px;">
<a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/world-cup-jerseys-for-qatar-2022/"><strong>The Kits:</strong></a> Check out <a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/world-cup-jerseys-for-qatar-2022/">what every team will be wearing</a> on the field this fall
</div><div style="padding:10px;">
<a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/predictor/"><strong>Predictor:</strong></a> Play out every scenario with our <a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/predictor/">World Cup Predictor</a>
</div><div style="padding:10px;">
<a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/2022/04/05/world-cup-bracket-free-download/"><strong>World Cup Bracket:</strong></a> Map out the <a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/2022/04/05/world-cup-bracket-free-download/">entire tournament</a>, from the groups to the final
</div><div style="padding:10px;">
<a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/category/world-cup-2022/"><strong>World Cup Hub:</strong></a> Your one stop for <a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/category/world-cup-2022/">everything Qatar 2022</a>
</div>
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ESPN show E60 will soon broadcast new show about the controversy surrounding the 2022 World Cup in Qatar just ahead of the tournament itself.

ESPN E60 show details controversy surrounding World Cup in Qatar

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<p>Home field at <a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/category/world-cup-2022/">World Cup 2022</a> officially belongs to Qatar. Yet, like African nations in 2010, other countries may feel a sense of belonging at this World Cup in particular.</p>
<p>Nations at the World Cup from CAF, AFC and OFC are closer geographically and culturally to Qatar. Despite FIFA’s wishes for this World Cup to be inclusive, some countries express <a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/2022/07/14/fifa-inclusivity-world-cup/">concerns over the tournament</a>.</p>
<p>Regardless, the innate familiarity with the climate could give a physiological advantage to nations closer to Qatar’s topography. Therein lies the concept of ‘home-field advantage’ at this year’s World Cup. Roaring regional crowds subconsciously sway referees in favor of the home team. Inadvertent calls may play in their favor.</p>
<p>Then, take into account things like territorial influences and jetlag spawned by traveling. These factors cause delays in adapting to the environment. This year, that comes from teams in UEFA, CONCACAF and CONMEBOL.</p>
<h5>Fundamentalist Culture</h5>
<p>Let’s start, however, with the biggest talking point surrounding this year’s tournament. The largest complaint when it comes to home-field advantage at World Cup 2022 is that not all fans are necessarily welcome. In FIFA’s defense, it claims that all fans are welcome, but it comes up well short in support of LGBTQ+ fans wanting to watch their nation.</p>
<p>Qatar does not offer the freewheeling atmosphere westerners typically receive from a host nation. Instead, weather and societal differences play a massive factor for ‘away teams.’ This applies not only to Qatar, but also the neighboring countries. Not to mention the significance of team chemistry. Players group up inside hotels for several weeks before the tournament begins.</p>
<p>Most certainly, for the fans, Qatar 2022 differs from years prior. It is not a tropical party in the rainforest like Brazil 2014. Nor is it the beer festival from Germany 2006. Rather, Qatar 2022 will go down in history as a conservative World Cup in the desert.</p>
<h5>Regional Teams<strong>&nbsp;</strong></h5>
<p>In theory, African, Asian, and Oceanic teams transition smoothly as they dwell into Qatar. Iran, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Tunisia and Morocco are not far from the small nation of Qatar.</p>
<p>Even then, players in Australia, Japan and South Korea have experience playing in Qatar. At the international level, this is one of the teams in the AFC confederation. World Cup Qualifying and the AFC Asian Cup are reasons for recent visits to the country. At club level, same applies.</p>
<p>Moreover, teams like South Korea and Japan will be quickly accustomed to the tiny nation along the Persian Gulf since they have performed in several matches during previous AFC Cups and FIFA qualifications.</p>
<div><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-391846" src="https:\/\/ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https:\/\/images.worldsoccertalk.com/webp/WST_20220718_WST_393353_Australia-World-Cup-2022.webp&amp;width=1200&amp;height=725" alt="Australia World Cup 2022" width="1200" height="725" srcset="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2022/07/Australia-World-Cup-2022.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2022/07/Australia-World-Cup-2022-600x363.jpg 600w, https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2022/07/Australia-World-Cup-2022-150x91.jpg 150w, https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2022/07/Australia-World-Cup-2022-768x464.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px"></figure></div>
<h5>Performance Boost</h5>
<p>Historically, nations that host the World Cup exude success. All eight countries to lay claim to winning a World Cup hosted the event. This year, FIFA expanded its horizons by granting a World Cup to the smallest country in the tournament’s illustrious history.</p>
<p>Switzerland, Sweden and Chile were underdog nations when they hosted in 1954, 1958 and 1962, respectively. At those tournaments, each nation boosted its performances in the World Cup and soccer in general.</p>
<p>For example, Switzerland placed as quarterfinalists in 1954. Then, Sweden was runners-up in 1958 – bested by Pelé’s Brazil in the final match. Finally, Chile placed a respectable third as semifinalists in 1962.</p>
<p>Moreover, the USMNT advanced to the Round of 16 in 1994. Four years later, France won their 1st World Cup as host nation in 1998. Then, in 2002, South Korea and Japan’s de facto wins led them to the Semifinal and round of 16, respectively. Most recently, the 2018 edition saw the now-suspended Russia reach the quarterfinals and lose to Croatia on penalties.</p>
<p>Undoubtedly, the adrenaline piercing through the field from their roaring home crowds increased the players’ heart rates generating momentum and making them formidable teams. Qatar hopes that home field advantage kicks in for World Cup 2022.</p>
<p>However, the multitude of fans flooding the small nation come from many of its neighbors.</p>
<h5>Home Cooked Meals</h5>
<p>A significant portion of the 1.8 million ticketholders flocking to Qatar come from Saudi Arabia, India and the UAE. Moreover, with the Qatari government mandating strict laws, in conjunction with sanctimonious decrees, it remains to be seen whether these ‘home games’ in the Middle East hinder the performances of other nations seeking glory.</p>
<p>Nonetheless, Qatar’s World Cup means strictly business. Though these circumstances inconvenience fans seeking a freewheeling atmosphere, they may or may not spawn a beneficial outcome for the beautiful game. The Qatari government intends to monitor the environment to suit fundamentalist ideologies strictly. Consequently, the 2022 FIFA World Cup could produce matches the world has never seen.</p>
<p>Indeed, it was a controversial situation in 2002 when officials for South Korea matches were playing to the crowd. Finally, Michael Ballack’s German side broke through that barrier by overthrowing South Korea, whose de facto advancement to the semis was the subject of <a href="https:\/\/www.vice.com/en/article/ywgx4y/how-the-2002-world-cup-became-the-most-controversial-tournament-in-recent-memory" target="_blank" rel="noopener">global scrutiny</a>.</p>
<p>The onus will be on FIFA for fair play when the World Cup kicks off on November 21.</p>
<p><em>PHOTO No. 1: David Ramos/Getty Images</em></p>
<p><em>PHOTO No. 2: Nikku/Xinhua via Getty Images</em></p>


Home field advantage always plays a role, as it will at World Cup 2022. How can neighboring countries take advantage like Qatar?

AFC, CAF and OFC embrace home field at World Cup 2022 - World Soccer Talk

AFC, CAF and OFC embrace home field at World Cup 2022

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<p>Ghana’s World Cup bid seemed more likely after advancing out of their group. A dramatic 1-0 victory over South Africa on the final matchday jumped Ghana to the top of the group.</p>
<p>As it stands, Ghana advances to the playoff stages of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) World Cup qualification.</p>
<p>However, South Africa has other futures in mind.</p>
<h3><strong>Questionable call aids Ghana’s World Cup bid</strong></h3>
<p>Heading into the final matchday, the Bafana Bafana led Group G by three points. A draw or win secured their progress in the competition. Therefore, the <em>Black Stars </em>needed a win to advance Ghana’s World Cup bid.</p>
<p>Senegalese referee Maguette N’Diaye called a penalty for a push against Ghana midfielder Daniel Amartey just after 30 minutes. The Leicester City player fell to the ground inside the 18-yard box relatively easily.</p>
<p>Regardless, in his 100<sup>th</sup> cap, captain Andre Ayew stepped up to slot home the spot kick.</p>
<p>Following the match, South Africa Football Association CEO Tebogo Motlanthe issued a statement regarding his intent.</p>
<blockquote><p><em>“We approached the match commissioner and informed him of our intention to lodge a formal complaint to CAF and FIFA about the questionable officiating during the match.”</em></p></blockquote>
<h5>A fixed match</h5>
<p>Motlanthe believes the Senegalese referee officiated a fixed match. He told TimesLIVE his stance on the calls and what transpired on the pitch.</p>
<blockquote><p><em>“We suspect the game was fixed and our position is that it must be investigated. The conduct of the match officials left much to be desired and we want both CAF and FIFA to investigate. We salute the boys and the technical team for the good work they have done.”</em></p></blockquote>
<p>Unfortunate calls happen all the time in the sport. Motlanthe believes this issue extends beyond just the one penalty call. He intends to <a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/2021/11/15/south-africa-want-ghana-qualifier-replayed-after-disputed-penalty/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">challenge the call</a> with the oversight of other, retired referees.</p>
<blockquote><p><em>“It was not only the incident of the penalty. It was not in isolation, and we will commission an expert in the form of a retired referee to analyze the performance of the referee. We will use our World Cup qualifying match against Senegal in 2017 that was replayed to put our argument forward.”</em></p></blockquote>
<p>As a result of Ghana’s 1-0 win during World Cup qualifying, the two nations remained <a href="https:\/\/www.espn.com/soccer/standings/_/league/fifa.worldq.caf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">level after the group stage</a>. Each team had 13 points from six games and owned a goal differential of +4. The teams each picked up 1-0 wins against each other. Then, the tiebreaker came down to goals scored. In this facet, Ghana outscored South Africa 7-6.</p>
<p>As a group winner, Ghana’s World Cup bid comes down to the final stage of CAF qualifying. The 10 group winners play two-leg playoffs to have the five teams advance to the group stages in Qatar.</p>
<h3><strong>Coaching Change</strong></h3>
<div><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" class="size-medium wp-image-357259 alignleft" src="https:\/\/ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https:\/\/images.worldsoccertalk.com/webp/WST_20211116_WST_357159_Milovan_Rajevac_2017-300x225.webp&amp;width=300&amp;height=225" alt="Milovan Rajevac" width="300" height="225" srcset="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2021/11/Milovan_Rajevac_2017-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2021/11/Milovan_Rajevac_2017-150x113.jpg 150w, https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2021/11/Milovan_Rajevac_2017.jpg 500w" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px"></figure></div>
<p>As of now, the Ghanaian FA’s decision to fire former <em>Black Star</em> Charles Akonnor for Serbian Milovan Rajevac seems like the right decision. As the manager, Akonnor guided his homeland through the African Cup of Nations qualification process. However, Ghana relieved him of his duties after the 1-0 loss to South Africa.</p>
<p>At the time, Ghana’s World Cup bid seemed almost nonexistent. Essentially, it was desperation time after the nation failed to qualify for Russia 2018.</p>
<p>Rajevac, a popular figure in Ghana, led the <em>Black Stars</em> to the quarterfinals of the 2010 World Cup.</p>
<p>Inversely, others saw Akonnor’s sacking as unwarranted.</p>
<p>Some Ghana fans find the recent results unimpressive, arguing Akonnor could have pulled out the same results.</p>
<p>Out of the 54 nations in CAF, only 26 have managers native to that country. This statistic includes two countries, Madagascar and Zimbabwe, who currently have a native as the caretaker manager.</p>
<p>Certain underlying assumptions exist in the African game. For one, African managers do not receive the same chances. Or, European managers overcome more obstacles. Finally, African players respect the expertise of Europeans more than their African counterparts.</p>
<p>If true, it is a devastating reality for the development of the game in Africa. Unfortunately, soccer, especially the World Cup qualifiers, are a results-based business.</p>
<h3><strong>The Next Step</strong></h3>
<blockquote><p><em>“I wish these glory days come back again and the only way we can do that is if we are thinking positively and if we are supportive so we can achieve great results and we can make people of Ghana proud again.”</em></p></blockquote>
<p>Rajevic understands the importance surrounding Ghana’s World Cup bid. Ghana is a soccer-hungry nation, as seen in their turnout during the World Cup in 2010 in South Africa.</p>
<p>1982 was a pivotal year across the world. To start, Michael Jackson released <em>Thriller</em>, the highest-selling album of all-time. Similarly, emerged as a superstar with his <em>1999 </em>album. In sports, Michael Jordan announced himself to the masses by hitting the game-winning shot in the NCAA National Championship game. Also, Italy upset Brazil on the way to their third World Cup. Brazil changed its style of play following the result.</p>
<p>Finally, it is the last time Ghana won the African Cup of Nations.</p>
<p>Next year will be the 40<sup>th</sup> anniversary of the triumph. Ghana hopes to end the drought soon as AFCON 2021 starts on January 9 in Cameroon.</p>
<p>Also, Ghana’s World Cup bid could boost spirits ahead of the tournament.</p>
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Ghana's World Cup bid took a great jump with their win to move them to the final stage of qualifying. South Africa is questioning that.

ALL POSTS TAGGED "controversy"

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