Ewald Lienen, a key figure in football, expresses deep concern over the sport’s ethical dilemmas, particularly with the DFB’s upcoming vote on the 2034 World Cup in Saudi Arabia. He criticizes FIFA’s lack of meaningful reform and the manipulative voting structure, while advocating for grassroots investment to combat local issues. Lienen highlights the need for football to uphold ethical standards and urges a focus on broader societal challenges, such as climate change and human rights, beyond mere sporting controversies.
Ewald Lienen: The Conscience of Football Amidst Controversy
Ewald Lienen, a prominent figure in the world of football, embodies the sport’s moral compass. The 70-year-old is deeply concerned about the concurrent crises affecting the game today. With the DFB poised to support the 2034 World Cup in Saudi Arabia, set for a formal vote in December 2024, questions arise about the implications of such a decision. Is it wise to overlook pressing issues for the allure of football? In an insightful dialogue, Lienen shares his thoughts on these matters.
The DFB’s Vote and the Future of Football
When discussing the DFB’s anticipated vote for the Saudi Arabian World Cup, Lienen reflects on the hope that FIFA, under Gianni Infantino, would usher in meaningful reform. Unfortunately, he feels that substantial changes have yet to materialize, which he finds disappointing. Lienen acknowledges some positive initiatives by FIFA, such as their work with refugees, but he expresses dismay over the management of competitions under Infantino’s leadership.
He poses a challenging question: Should DFB President Bernd Neuendorf oppose the World Cup’s allocation to Saudi Arabia, especially when it coincides with the 2030 World Cup across three continents? He emphasizes that the current voting structure feels manipulative, stripping away the opportunity for dissenting voices.
Lienen also voices concern over the expanding scope of international tournaments, with the 2026 World Cup introducing 48 participating nations. He warns that the sport mirrors a world increasingly dominated by authoritarian figures, urging caution against double standards that often arise in discussions surrounding politics and sports.
As UEFA and FIFA continue to inflate the number of games, Lienen likens the exploitation of football to other sectors where profit takes precedence over ethics and sustainability. He believes that football must not only entertain but also uphold principles that positively impact society.
Addressing the complexities of discussing human rights violations in countries like Saudi Arabia and Qatar, Lienen questions whether the focus on these issues detracts from addressing pressing local problems. He advocates for increased investment in grassroots sports, which can profoundly influence the character development of youth in Germany.
Ultimately, Lienen’s perspective urges a critical reexamination of priorities. He emphasizes the need to confront existential challenges like climate change rather than solely fixate on the controversies surrounding major sporting events. The conversation surrounding human rights in football can serve as a springboard for broader discussions that address fundamental societal issues.
In conclusion, Lienen calls for more substantial action beyond the realm of sports, emphasizing that the fight against human rights violations must be sustained and comprehensive, rather than reactive to the headlines of major tournaments.