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The Qatar 2022 World Cup could be set for a decline in UK viewership as societal issues concerning hosts Qatar have seen 34 per cent of fans say they plan to watch fewer matches than the Fifa showpiece tournament four years ago, according to a study from insights agency Opinium.
Fifa’s decision to stage its showpiece international soccer tournament in Qatar has drawn criticism, with a number of teams and national federations staging protests against the hosts’ treatment of migrant workers, as well as showing support for the country’s persecuted LGBTQ+ community.
Opinium’s survey of 4,000 UK adults found that those describing themselves as soccer fans wanted more media coverage to be devoted to the concerns surrounding the hosts, with women’s rights (57 per cent), workers’ rights (55 per cent) and LGBTQ+ rights (51 per cent) all considered key areas of interest. Indeed, 52 per cent of supporters believe the media has a responsibility to raise awareness of the issues linked to the World Cup’s staging.
The study found that 46 per cent of respondents agreed that journalists bear a duty to cover the issues surrounding the hosts, while 43 per cent think the broader sports media should also speak out on the concerns relating to the tournament.
While just 40 per cent of those surveyed felt politicians should take responsibility for raising the issues, more fans (47 per cent) believe that national federations should be highlighting concerns.
Those surveyed were largely in favour of the protests already carried out by some teams. The Australian team’s video, in which players highlighted concerns about both the plight of migrant workers and LGBTQ+ people in Qatar drew a 77 per cent approval rating.
When it comes to England and Wales specifically, 59 per cent of the UK-based supporters believe their team has a responsibility to elevate the profile of issues in Qatar, with 16 per cent disagreeing. Of those who believe their team should raise awareness of these issues, 50 per cent think players should speak out on the concerns in the media.
Among possible actions, 19 per cent of fans feel their team should completely boycott the tournament. Others that gained support include taking the knee (43 per cent), as well as wearing rainbow laces in support of the LGBTQ+ community (42 per cent).
Reflecting on the findings, Opinium research executive, Mike Burgess, said: “Football World Cups always create a furore, but this year the frenzy is not necessarily football related. Concerns over human rights issues and the treatment of the LGBTQ+ community in Qatar appears to be clouding the tournament itself, and UK football fans agree.
“As the opening match approaches, it’ll be interesting to see whether the dial shifts, or whether this will be a World Cup that’s remembered for all the wrong reasons.”
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