Norwegian Financial Crime Boss Calls For Boycott of Qatar 2022 FIFA World Cup

Norwegian Financial Crime Boss Calls For Boycott of Qatar 2022 FIFA World Cup By Our Reporter Every country should boycott the 2022 FIFA World Cup because of corruption in the process which led to Qatar being awarded the right to host the event, according to the head of the Norwegian financial crime unit. Økokrim chief Pål Lønseth said it was “obvious” that Norway and “the whole football world” should boycott the tournament. Allegations of corruption emerged before and after Qatar was awarded the hosting rights for the 2022 World Cup. Of the 22 FIFA Executive Committee members who took part in the vote, 16 have since been suspended, charged or given prison sentences for corruption offences. “Sport must learn that corruption must have a consequence,” Lønseth told Norwegian newspaper VG. “Corruption must have a consequence. “What other industry in this world can we see big money being involved in contract awards – without any consequences. “If the Qatar World Cup goes as normal, without consequences, it will increase the risk that the allocation of future events may also be subject to corruption. “Based on crime prevention, it is obvious that Norway should boycott the Qatar World Cup. “The whole football world should. “If you sit down and say that ‘this was sad’ and ‘do not do it again’ and maybe individuals are convicted, but still continue as if the corruption has not taken place, then it will happen again, in football and in other sports.” Norway has led the calls for the 2022 FIFA World Cup to be boycotted amid concerns over human rights and the treatment of workers in the host country, but the nation’s football association voted against doing so earlier this year. Norway Football Federation President Terje Svendsen has repeatedly claimed the organisation did not support the decision to give Qatar the 2022 World Cup. The country has not qualified for the World Cup since 1998. Norway are second in Group G of European qualification for Qatar 2022, trailing leaders The Netherlands by two points with two games to go. - Sportinglife