“I don’t care about the next World Cup.”- Eric Cantona. Read why Eric Cantona said he won’t be watching the Qatar World Cup

“I don’t care about the next World Cup.”- Eric Cantona. Read why Eric Cantona said he won’t be watching the Qatar World Cup

Eric Cantona in his recent interview has made a shocking statement about the upcoming World Cup. The Manchester United legend told the Daily Mail that he does not care about the World Cup and is not watching the Qatar World Cup.

Cantona said termed it as “not a real World Cup”, mentioning the deaths of “thousands of people” during construction of new stadia and infrastructure and further accusing FIFA of only being interested in money.

Eric Cantona

“Personally, I will not watch it. I understand football is a business. But I thought it was the only place where everybody could have a chance.

FS Video

“And I still think that young players can grow up in a very poor area – most players come from poor areas. And they become footballers and have a chance to save themselves and save their family which is great. And if you are good, you are good. It’s a meritocracy – if you’re better than the next guy, you will play and it’s fair.

“So it’s why, maybe, if meritocracy and potential is the essence of football, it’s even more surprising that we can organize a World Cup in Qatar, and people actually voted for that.”

“It’s only about money and the way they treated the people who built the stadiums, it’s horrible,” he added. “And thousands of people died. And yet we will celebrate this World Cup.”

Also read: “It’s not just about money”- Ousmane Dembele’s agent bashes FC Barcelona board while explaining his client’s contract situation

Players and Football Associations to speak in support of human rights at the World Cup

Human Rights

Amnesty and other human rights groups say the reality for migrant workers does not match the official version from tournament organisers. Amnesty recently said, “complacency by the authorities is leaving thousands of workers at continued risk of exploitation”.

Amnesty UK has urged the Football Association, and England’s players and staff, to speak out about human rights abuses ahead of the World Cup.

Jakob Jensen, from the Denmark FA, told Sky News their national team would continue to highlight the issues surrounding the World Cup. Denmark will wear training kits containing messages in support of human rights during the tournament.

Also read: 5 big players who could leave Manchester United this season