A message of inclusion and unity, with actor Morgan Freeman as one of the key figures, marked the opening of the 2022 FIFA World Cup this Sunday, surrounded by several controversies, which the Emir of Qatar’s speech sought to counter.
“People of different races, nationalities and orientations are all welcome in Qatar to experience these exciting times. How wonderful it is to bring people together and not divide to celebrate diversity”said Tamim bin Hamad al-Tani in the speech marking the conclusion of the ceremony, with FIFA President Gianni Infantino sitting to his left.
After promising the United Nations General Assembly a World Cup “without discrimination” in September, the emir said today that “the long-awaited day has arrived” and added: “From today and for 28 days, we will give the world unity. around football”.
“We have done our best to make this one of the greatest tournaments in history, we have done everything we can and invested for the benefit of humanity,” said Tamim bin Hamad al-Tani, shortly before actor Morgan Freeman assumed power. of football to unite praised.
Freeman, who led a dialogue calling for inclusion with Ghanim al Muftah, a well-known Qatari activist who suffers from caudal regression syndrome, recalled that “football unites nations and brings the world together.”
After the projection of images that attempted to show that the small country hosting the 22nd edition of the World Cup has a tradition in sport, a well-known North American actor said: “We all have a football story and this country has a own history”.
After several refusals from internationally renowned artists to participate in the ceremony, the musical animation of the color and light show was in the hands of Fahad Al Kubaisi, a singer and human rights activist in Qatar.
At the Al Bayt Stadium, in Al Khor, which will be the stage for the opening match between Qatar and Ecuador, Group A, which will be the kick-off of the competition, still had time to pay tribute to the volunteers of the most controversial World Cup. Cup in history.
Outside of the ceremony, which lasted about 30 minutes, controversies persisted that have led to criticism from various government organizations and even some of the event participants, including corruption, labor exploitation and disrespect for the rights of LGBTQIA+ people.
Source: DN
