The Qatar World Cup, set to begin in 8 days time, has been branded ‘an insult to football’ by former Chelsea boss Maurizio Sarri.
The 2022 edition of the tournament has been shrouded in controversy ever since the decision to host it in the Arab state was announced in 2010, with allegations of corruption and human rights issues front and centre ahead of the showpiece.
On a more football-oriented level, the mid-season break to play the tournament has drawn widespread criticism. So too has the truncated nature of the domestic season to fit the tournament in, with clubs having to play every three days for months on end.
And the former Chelsea boss, who won the Europa League but was chastised for his boring style of football, made his opinions clear in a press conference for current club Lazio, questioning the wisdom of the decision.
“I see it as an insult to football”, he revealed to Italian media. “If someone explains to me what the Qatari movement can give to football, excluding the money at Manchester City and PSG, I can change my mind.”
The World Cup will hand club sides a break of over a month when it begins next week, having been moved in order to accommodate the climate in Qatar.
They had less luck in Europe, however, finishing 3rd in their Europa League group, which set up a Conference League tie with CFR Cluj.
You can catch up on all the latest squad announcements for the upcoming World Cup here.
