The 2022 FIFA world cup and the post-colonial narrative examined

Abstract

The 2022 FIFA World Cup, hosted by Qatar, marked a historically watershed moment. From an inclusively representational aspect, it was the first World Cup held by an Arab and Muslim nation. Qatar's successful bid to host this event underscored its strategic use of sports to shape its national identity and modernization efforts. Being the second most-watched championship globally, this tournament provided Qatar with a platform to challenge Orientalist narratives about the broader Arab and Muslim worlds. This chapter delves into the intricate dynamics of post-colonialism, sports diplomacy, and media representation. It explores how Western media discourse juxtaposes the "other" - Qatar and its cultural context - against its own norms, decoding implicit messages about identity and difference. Central to this examination is Qatar's multifaceted sports diplomacy, which navigates historical legacies, contemporary global dynamics, balancing between global recognition and cultural authenticity. By scrutinizing Orientalist perspectives, analyzing Qatar's sports diplomacy, and critiquing Western media portrayals, this research unfolds in three dimensions. Firstly, it unpicks the Orientalist perceptions of the "other." Secondly, it examines how Qatar strategically employs sports diplomacy to assert its identity amid modernization efforts. Lastly, it critically assesses Western media representations, particularly British media, revealing cultural stereotypes that perpetuate Orientalist discourses.