BBC Sports faces backlash after disowning FIFA opening ceremony

FIFA World Cup 2022 started in Qatar yesterday. With all the stars performing at the event. BBC Sports opted to point out controversies instead of live telecast of the opening ceremony.

BBC Sports decision to not air the opening ceremony of the World Cup live during main coverage on Sunday has brought criticism from many sports fans. FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 opening ceremony was held at Al Bayt Stadium in Al Khor, Qatar. Where African American movie star Morgan Freeman was among the guests, with Korean K-pop star Jungkook performing a mini-concert. BBC is facing major backlash from fans all over the world.

BBC Sports relegated the ceremony to the “Red Button” service and online. However, BBC One decided not to air the ceremony live but rather mentioned human rights and alleged accusations against Qatar. They point out the number of workers who died in the period of building the stadium and other facilities.

The BBC declined to explain why it shunted the opening ceremony coverage. Traditionally an opportunity for host countries to project soft power around the world to an online-only stream. BBC One viewers were watching the presenter Ros Atkins introduce an interview with Amnesty International and state: “We’ve never seen a World Cup with a carbon footprint like this before.”

Fan’s Reaction

“It’s the most controversial World Cup in history and a ball hasn’t even been kicked,” said the Match of the Day host Gary Lineker. Moreover, He welcomed viewers to the start of the national broadcaster’s coverage on BBC One.

However, Lineker’s comment was shared by many. Reminding a recent remark by FIFA President Gianni Infantino, defending Qatar from what he called Western “hypocrisy” amid criticism of the Gulf country’s hosting of World Cup 2022.

Meanwhile, users also accused the BBC of “double standard” on social media. Asking why the broadcaster did not have the same approach when the 2022 Winter Olympics took place in China and the 2018 World Cup in Russia. A television broadcaster with the rights to show the world’s biggest sporting event choosing to comprehensively trash the product it was about to serve up.

Also See: ‘Metro Man’ guiding the spectators of FIFA World Cup 2022

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