Qatar 2022 in spotlight at Index on Censorship event

Written by JMU Journalism Liverpool Life
October 12, 2022
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Index on Censorship panel discussion at LJMU

The eyes of the world should be on Qatar during and after next month’s World Cup to ensure its “dubious human rights issues” aren’t brushed under the carpet.

Speaking at a panel discussion on sport and censorship hosted by LJMU Journalism Department, Sports Journalism programme leader Dave Randles said reporters covering the event had to resist the temptation to sportswash the regime.

The discussion, held on Monday evening, was chaired by Jemimah Steinfeld, editor-in-chief of Index On Censorship, the magazine and website which champions freedom of expression. Sitting alongside Dave on the panel was LJMU Journalism alumnus Connor Dunn, a PR executive who is a former Liverpool Echo football writer.

Connor said he had worked with players including Trent Alexander-Arnold and Conor Coady, and in his view there would be no point in simply boycotting the World Cup because it would change nothing: “It’s just a silly idea.”

He believed a more effective approach is that being adopted by the England team of constructive engagement, and Connor pointed to the decision by national captain Harry Kane to wear a “OneLove” rainbow armband.

Connor added that groups such as LGBT+ people were subject to draconian laws in Qatar but that LGBT+ fans won’t face problems for the duration of the tournament because “the eyes of the world will be watching”.

Both speakers agreed the acid test of the success of FIFA’s decision to award the World Cup to the Middle Eastern state would be whether human rights continued to improve after reporters and cameras had left the country.

Dave said sportswashing was by no means confined to other countries. Pointing out that Newcastle United has Saudi owners, he added: “Female fans aren’t able to attend football matches held in Saudi Arabia.” He believed the country would probably launch its own bid to host the World Cup in the near future.

Ruth Smeeth, the CEO of Index, asked whether journalists send to Qatar to report on the sport would be able to cover non-sporting issues while out there.

While Dave accepted some journalists will have been briefed to focus specifically on the football, he said it was their instinct to follow the news.

“If a story from Qatar was well-read, editors would demand more along the same lines,” added Connor.

Monday’s event also marked the launch of the latest issue of Index On Censorship magazine, which is celebrating its 50th anniversary. The theme of the current issue is football and freedom, with contributions from the philosopher Julian Baggini, former Times chief sports writer Simon Barnes, and Adam Crafton of The Athletic.

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