Rafael Nadal upset with Qatar’s restrictions at the 2022 FIFA World Cup, says “Everyone should have the freedom to express”
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Rafael Nadal, FIFA World Cup trophy's exhibit in Qatar
Rafael Nadal has joined the bandwagon giving his opinion about the ongoing 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. The country has imposed a ban on alcohol during the matches and has set a time period when the fans can consume the drinks. Doha has also been very strict about the representation of the LGBTQ community.
The latter has rather become a massive controversy coupled with the human rights violations reported during the construction of stadiums. Players from England and Germany had remained adamant to wear ‘One Love’ armbands to show their support to the LGBTQ community but were threatened with yellow cards as soon as they would step on the pitch.
The Germans however made sure they made some gestures toward the restrictions. Ahead of the team photo prior to their match against Japan, the team covered their mouth later explaining it symbolized no voice being given to the players at the World Cup. Nadal also gave his viewpoint on the whole issue that has become a global debate.
“We are in a globalized world where people should have more and more rights. Everyone should have the freedom to express their feelings, as long as they don’t harm others. Sport is a place of expression because it benefits from worldwide media exposure, but, beyond all that, for me, the important thing is that football ends up being played,” said Nadal in comments reported by ESPN.
Rafael Nadal reaches Chile as part of his Latin America Tour
Nadal is currently on his Latin America Tour where he is scheduled to play in 6 different cities. He started the exhibition Tour against Casper Ruud in Argentina where he overcame the Norwegian for the third time this year. The earlier two wins came in the finals of the 2022 French Open and the last round-robin match of the 2022 ATP Finals which was a dead rubber as Ruud was confirmed for semis while Nadal was out.
Nadal will now play against Alejandro Tabilo in Chile in what will be his second match of the Tour. The Spaniard will then travel to Colombia, Ecuador, Brazil, and Mexico to play in Bogota, Quito, Belo Horizonte, and Mexico City before ending the Tour.
Also Read: German tennis federation offers Boris Becker to “pick his job” upon serving his prison sentence
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Sarthak Shitole
(3462 Articles Published)