Gary Lineker Delivers Damning Introduction In BBC’s Coverage Of Qatar World Cup
Gary Lineker has been praised by football fans after he delivered a damning opener to this year’s coverage of the World Cup.
On Sunday, the former England player launched the BBC’s coverage of the tournament being held in Qatar, describing it as “the most controversial World Cup in history”
The fact Qatar is hosting the 2022 World Cup has been controversial since it was first announced in 2010. Thousands of migrant workers have died in the country in the lead-up to the tournament. The host nation has been also been condemned for its appalling track record with human rights, including those of LGBTQ+ people.
As he kicked off the BBC’s coverage on Sunday afternoon, Gary said: “Ever since FIFA chose Qatar back in 2010, the smallest country to have hosted football’s greatest competition, has faced some big questions.
“From accusations of corruption in the bidding process to the treatment of migrant workers who built the stadiums where many lost their lives. Homosexuality is illegal here. Women’s rights and freedom of expression are in the spotlight.
“Against that backdrop, there is a tournament to be played here that will be watched and enjoyed around the world. Stick to football say FIFA, well we will for a couple of minutes at least.”
Gary also opened a discussion on workers rights and Qatar’s discriminatory LGBTQ+ laws with his fellow pundits Alan Shearer, Alex Scott and Ashley Williams.
All three expressed their disappointment and concern at the hosting of the tournament in the country and criticised Fifa president Gianni Infantino following his bizarre speech on Saturday.
What do you think about the #FIFAWorldCup taking place in Qatar?
— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) November 20, 2022
Here are the thoughts of the @BBCSport pundits ⬇#BBCFootball#BBCWorldCuppic.twitter.com/PnjXAiFzWG
Viewers were quick to praise the stance the BBC had taken with Gary’s intro on social media…
WOW. Gary Linker absolutely pulled no punches with that introduction. Scathing of Qatar and FIFA. This is going to be an interesting World Cup.
— Ben Lumen (@BenLumen) November 20, 2022
Ooof, that’s a bold and pointed opening statement @GaryLineker@BBCSport Nicely done. ???? #FIFAWorldCup
— Quiff Boy ???????? (@quiffboy) November 20, 2022
Fair play to @GaryLineker for that opening on BBC not letting the problems be ignored ????????
— Cameron #FSGOUT (@CameronLFC04) November 20, 2022
Wow @GaryLineker - what a way to open the world cup ????
— Barry Haffenden (@BazTheHaff) November 20, 2022
Oh Shit... @GaryLineker did not hold back with that opening monologue, fair play Lad, it needed to be said and you definitely delivered on all of our thoughts surrounding this World Cup????????????????????????
— (Syndication) (@BluishSanity) November 20, 2022
Good intro from @GaryLineker exactly what’s required. Never forget how we got here. We all love football. We all love the World Cup. But we cannot forget #FIFAWorldCup
— Johann Alexander (@JohannRed16) November 20, 2022
Really strong opening from BBC and @GaryLineker - well done
— Enricorego (@enricorego) November 20, 2022
Strong opening statement from the BBC and Gary Lineker. Glad they're not shying away from the issues.
— Chloe (@ChloeJBeresford) November 20, 2022
Host nation Qatar plays Ecuador in the opening game of the tournament, which will feature 64 games including the final on December 18.