The competition held in the winter not the summer as is traditional because it would be to hot in a desert country. A country that has no tradition of the game and has had to build football stadiums. A country that has sort to improve its tarnished image by use of a global sporting event. A country with a very poor human rights record where homosexuality is illegal and where new stadiums have been constructed at the cost of hundreds of deaths of exploited foreign labour.
Such an unsuitable country to hold the World Cup that the rumours of corruption in the decision process persist. At a time when many footballing nations are viewing the game’s popularity and participation across cultures and faiths as a means of championing equality and diversity why would those in charge allow such blatant sports wash? If leaders lack a moral compass then greed and the pursuit of power will be the driving force behind decisions.
The games will no doubt be considered a success being well organised and attracting a huge global audience. The host nation will believe their considerable financial investment will have been worth it. As a case example it would appear to demonstrate that ignoring ethical issues is no barrier to commercial and business success. Further evidence that organisation and their leaders don’t need to be over concerned about how they operate provided they deliver.
So is the message that despite the rhetoric about corporate social responsibility and business ethics , circumnavigating financial procedures, fiddling the figures, cronyism, tax avoidance, putting company before community is good business? Well maybe not. To use a footballing term the game is not over yet. The long term repercussions may come to a different conclusion. An anti corruption spot light has been focused on FIFA and those involved in the decision on where to hold the wold Cup.
Changes of personal and greater transparency of decision making are likely as a result. The highlighting of the host countries treatment of foreign workers and attitude to homosexuality has increased the world wide audiences knowledge and awareness and will not have enhance the country’s reputation and may have damaged prospects of future partnerships.
Now every one is familiar with the concept of “sports wash” it is unlikely to be as effective. People will still think negatively about a country and may be even more negative now they know more about how they operate.
