Gulf States Seek to Tap Massive Sport Investments
JAMES M. DORSEY: Spain is rapidly emerging as a model for the offsets Qatar, Dubai and other energy-rich Gulf states hope to reap from their massive investments.
Qatar’s ‘Conservative Liberal Bind’
DAVID ROBERTS: Qatar’s growing international recognition is bringing with it a host of problems and as we get closer to 2022 the noise of protest is only set to increase.
Blatter Hints FIFA May Investigate Qatar Bid
JAMES M. DORSEY: There’s resentment against Qatar hosting the WC because its riches allowed it to spend far more than its competitors
British Parliament Lashes Out At FIFA Handing of Qatari Bribery Claims
JAMES M. DORSEY: The UK parliamentary call for an independent investigation of the alleged Qatari bribery follows a similar call by the German FA.
FIFA Needs a “Day of Rage” to Restore Faith
STEVE ROYSTON: As his formerly loyal colleagues turn on each other like rats in a cage, and Blatter lectures us like Hosni Mubarak, FIFA needs a day of rage.
World Cup 2022: Looking Increasingly Ominous for Qatar
DAVID ROBERTS: With each new leaked email and each new comment by the key protagonists it becomes increasingly worrying for the Qatar 2022 team.
Citigroup: ‘No Benefit to Qatar from World Cup’
DAVID ROBERTS: Not a good week for Qatar 2022. First, there are accusations of bribery in the bid process, now Citigroup tells us that Qataris will see now net economic benefit from hosting the world’s top prestige event.
FIFA Concedes Traded Votes in World Cup Bids
JAMES DORSEY: If Blatter’s admission is correct, those votes would account for seven of the 12 votes that won Qatar its right to host the world’s biggest sporting event.
Asian Cup Woes A Gift for Qatar 2022 Critics
DAVID ROBERTS: Huge queues, chronic transportation, empty seats and a less than fulsome welcome for travelling fans – a very long ‘To Do’ list for Qatar 2022.
2022 World Cup Driving Qatari Labour Clean Up
JAMES DORSEY: The workers are a necessarily evil, but over time they are almost certain to change the nature of society – a notion that sends chills down Qatari spines.
A Message for Davos – Waste Not, Want Not
STEVE ROYSTON: Taxpayers’ money that could have been spent on new hospitals, refurbished schools, or improved public transport – down the drain.
Arabic: Why it’s Failing, What Can be Done
STEVE ROYSTON: What troubles Arab intellectuals is that the use of the Arabic language is declining. There’s an Arabic interface for Facebook, yet 75% of Arab users prefer the English.
Gloves Off: Blatter “Served Too Long”, Hammam
JAMES M. DORSEY: Mohamed bin Hammam lashed out on Monday, charging that Blatter had served too long as head of soccer’s world governing body.
MidEast Nations Fight For FIFA Tournaments
JAMES M. DORSEY: Middle Eastern nations are competing to stack up successful bids to host major soccer events in an effort to position themselves as regional hubs for sport.
Qatar 2022 World Cup A PR Boon, But Little Else
JAMES M. DORSEY: Qatar will become the face of an Arab world that projects itself as rich, bold and futuristic – a dramatic contrast with current perceptions of conflict and conservatism.
Qatar Gains Upper Hand in Battle for FIFA
JAMES M. DORSEY: Qatar is flexing its muscle, rejecting calls by Sepp Blatter to move the tournament to winter or co-host it with other Gulf states.
Money Talks: Qatar’s WC Bid Fits SWF Strategy
JAMES M. DORSEY: Flush with cash, Qatar spared no cost in its campaign to win the bid the World Cup. But are there ethical questions here?
Could the Middle East Revitalise the Fading Charm of British Airways?
STEVE ROYSTON: At what stage does the market value of British Airways become so depressed that it becomes an attractive takeover target for the likes of Qatar, Emirates or Etihad?
Qatar Foundation to sponsor Barcelona
DAVID ROBERTS: Footballing links between Spain and Qatar continue to build. Barcelona have announced that the Qatar Foundation will replace UNICEF as their primary sponsor. QF will pay around $225 million over a 5 year deal.
Recruitment Changes on the Cards for Qatar; as is Inflation…
DAVID ROBERTS: Clearly, to build the stadiums and the infrastructure for the competition, Qatar will need yet more workers from abroad.
