Antonio Rüdiger has hit out at FIFA’s decision to award the 2022 World Cup to Qatar, saying it showed that money, not the fans or players, was the most important factor.
Qatar’s bid has been plagued by accusations of corruption and bribery, with U.S. authorities alleging several members of FIFA’s executive committee accepted bribes in exchange for voting for Qatar.
Human rights in Qatar have been a major talking point as well since the country won the right to host in 2010, with the treatment of migrant workers, women and the LGBTQ community particularly controversial.
Germany and Real Madrid defender Rüdiger criticized Qatar hosting the tournament in an interview with SPORT1, but rejected suggestions that players should be charged with the decision to boycott the World Cup.
“Awarding them [the World Cup] was not a decision made for the fans and the players,” Rüdiger said. “It showed that money plays a crucial role in the world of football.
“I see the debate about a boycott as something that the institutions have to carry out, not the players. Of course we have to look at things critically and we have done so.”
Former Germany defender Philipp Lahm has already made it clear that he would not be making the trip to Qatar in November.
“Human rights should play the biggest role in the awarding of a tournament,” Lahm said in August. “If a country is awarded the event that is one of the worst performers in this regard, you start to think about the criteria used to make the decision.”
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