Most Remarkable and Notoriously Tainted Victory in Champions League History Obtained by a Team.
Champions League: PSG Secures Record-Breaking Victory Amidst Controversy
Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) emerged triumphant in the Champions League final, securing an impressive 5-0 victory over Inter Milan, marking the highest score in final history. Led by coach Luis Enrique, the French team displayed an outstanding performance, showcasing a harmonious and ego-free teamplay. However, this momentous victory is marred by ethical concerns, as the team's owner, Qatar, has been accused of using sports as a means to improve its international image, a practice known as "sportswashing."
The Qatari government, responsible for widespread human rights violations and crimes, has invested heavily in PSG since 2011. Allegations of abuse, particularly against migrant workers and women, continue to surface. The construction of infrastructure for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar has been linked to forced labor, poor working conditions, and other abuses.
The financial resources of Qatar have allowed the team to assemble a formidable squad, comprising players like Ousmane Dembele, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Vitinha, Achraf Hakimi, among others. These signings, along with the acquisition of other promising talents, have contributed significantly to PSG's success. However, critics argue that this obscene petro-capitalism has come at a high human cost.
While the powerful Qatari investors celebrate their triumph, the suffering of the exploited workers and oppressed women in Qatar continues. Despite the international acclaim garnered by PSG's exceptional play, the underlying issues concerning human rights remain unaddressed. It is essential that these cries are not silenced, lest the rulers' plan for a polished international image fully materialize.
Incorporating aspects of sportswashing, Qatar has leveraged high-profile sports investments, such as PSG, to divert attention from domestic issues. By creating a successful football brand, Qatar aims to project a positive image globally, facilitating economic diversification and wielding soft power. However, these efforts have done little to alleviate the human rights concerns within Qatar.
Champions LeagueParis Saint-GermainInter MilanQatarHuman Rights
[1] Amnesty International. (2020). FIFA World Cup 2022: Will human rights be on the ball? https://www.amnesty.org/en/latest/campaigns/2019-10-30/fifa-world-cup-2022-will-human-rights-be-on-the-ball/
[2] Human Rights Watch. (2019). Women's Rights in Qatar. https://www.hrw.org/world-report/2019/country-chapters/qatar
[3] Taylor, J. (2019). Qatar's Improbable Soccer Dominance. The New Yorker. https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2019/01/28/qatars-improbable-soccer-dominance
[4] Al-Hail, A. (2019). Qatar's Sportswashing Campaign: An Analysis. The Gulf Today. https://gulftoday.ae/news/gulf/2019/may/28/qatar-sportswashing-campaign-an-analysis
- The Qatari government, responsible for Champions League champions Paris Saint-Germain, has been accused of employing a community policy that involves using sports, such as football and Champions League, to improve its international image, a practice known as "sportswashing."
- Amidst European leagues like the Champions League, criticism of PSG's employment policy centers on the human rights concerns in Qatar, where numerous allegations of abuse, particularly against migrant workers and women, have surfaced.
