The United Kingdom broadcaster is under fire for choosing not to broadcast the Qatar World Cup 2022 opening ceremony on its main programme.
The BBC announced the launch on Sunday of its second stream, including its “red button” service, its iPlayer online program and its sports website.
Viewers watching his big show on BBC One, however, were unable to watch the highlights from the Al-Bayt Stadium in Al Khor, and missed out on highlights such as BTS star Jungkook and Qatari singer Fahad al- Kubaisi.
When Russia held the world cup in 2018, it had already annexed Crimea and annexed eastern Ukraine. At the time there were no objections about it from the BBC and the opening ceremony was shown in full. However, the BBC chose today to educate us respectfully. It’s embarrassing.
– Muhammad Jalal (@jalalayn) November 20, 2022
Morgan Freeman, who anchored the event, appeared at the stadium to shake hands with the FIFA World Cup captain who suffers from a rare spinal disease in a photo that symbolizes inclusion in a country that has been criticized for its human rights record.
Jung Kook presents to #Qatar2022 opening ceremony! 🎶#Dream2022 | | @bts_bighit
– FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) November 20, 2022
BBC One was broadcasting the Chelsea-Tottenham match in the Women’s Super League, which ended after the opening ceremony. The BBC also released a four-minute Instagram video at the same time, commemorating the 1982 Gay Games, which were organized by former Olympians to highlight homophobia in sport.
After the film switched to its broadcast from Qatar, hosts Gary Lineker, Alex Scott and Alex Shearer discussed what had been reported in the host country.
“It’s the most contested World Cup in history and the ball hasn’t even been kicked,” said Lineker, the former England football captain, in his opening remarks.
“Since FIFA nominated Qatar in 2010, the smallest country to host the biggest football tournament has faced serious questions. From allegations of corruption in business development to the abuse of migrant workers who built stadiums where many lost their lives.
Is this a scene from the opening ceremony that the BBC didn’t want the public to see? Good quotes from the Qur’an?#Qatar2022 pic.twitter.com/nAY300r2Un
“Homosexuality is prohibited here, women’s rights and freedom of speech are on display. Also the decision six years ago to change the World Cup from summer to winter.
“According to this, there is a tournament that should be played, which will be watched and enjoyed all over the world. Talk to football say FIFA, say, for a few minutes. “
Were you surprised that in the UK the BBC decided not to broadcast the Opening Ceremony of the first Arab World Cup?! There were some incredible moments, like this one 👇🏽 #Qatar2022 pic.twitter.com/90NNykYn0V
Alex Macheras (@AlexInAir) November 20, 2022
In the 12 years since it was awarded the right to host the first World Cup in the Middle East, Qatar has reformed its labor laws, including abolishing the widely criticized kafala system and the exit policy, which was abused by unscrupulous employers. Qatar has also introduced minimum wages and new laws on hot labor as part of labor reforms.
In a report released this month, the International Labor Organization (ILO) said Qatar had made progress in labor reform – improving the jobs and lives of hundreds of thousands of workers – but said employment problems remained.
National Committee organizers say all fans, regardless of their gender, are welcome in Qatar.
In Qatar’s gay community, public demonstrations are not seen, and not just between LGBTQ couples.
A BBC spokesman told Al Jazeera: “The full schedule and coverage of the World Cup is available on the BBC, including the opening ceremony on iPlayer.”
BBC radio presenter Gary Lineker hit back at critics, saying it was all a matter of timing and circumstances, tweeting: “It was shown in full on @BBCiPlayer, the BBC Sport website is a red button. The schedule for the opening ceremony was recently changed to old and the WSL was already confirmed @bbcone. If you want to watch it, you can. “
The opening match of the World Cup and the event were brought forward by a day from the original plan of FIFA, which was announced more than three months ago, in August.
