Perhaps my response is predictable, but I don’t think it’s a binary choice.
The most interesting and balanced article I read about Qatar is
this one. I think it’s worth the read if you have the time.
I think Aussie Rules footy brings joy and connection that is deeper than the manipulation of the game by the AFL, Governments and sponsors. Do I feel the same way about soccer, and FiFA and the autocrats who misuse it? No, but I don’t love soccer the way most in the world do.
If in all the circumstances a player decided to play, or fans decided to watch, but didn’t feel great about it, I understand. I can empathise with the view that there is something about soccer that transcends soccer’s misuses; especially in the case of someone who had dedicated their life to the sport.
Having made a difficult decision to play, I don’t consider a national association or player should then be precluded from expressing their concerns with the tournament or host country. To say otherwise seems like a bizarre absolutist position to me; akin to saying you can’t argue for measures on climate change until you’ve made a sufficient sacrifice of disconnecting your gas connection or you can’t advocate for animal welfare unless you’re vegan.
I have less empathy for David Beckham or Morgan Freeman.