Football’s festival of oppression?

Christian converts in controversial World Cup host Qatar come under ‘extreme pressure’ say experts – and the host country also faces allegations of labour abuse, corruption and money-laundering.

The men’s international soccer tournament will kick off on Sunday 20 November in the Al Bayt Stadium, with the hosts playing Ecuador.

But the competition begins against a backdrop of outcry and concern voiced by a whole range of organisations about situations in the oppressive nation, including the deaths of thousands of migrant workers during construction work for the event.