Commentary

2022 FIFA World Cup: A call for African Governments to invest more in Football

By Nana Yaw Preko Bimpeh, GBC Sports Journalist

Millions across the world and thousands at the Lusail stadium could not have asked for more, as Argentina and France gave citizens of the globe a dramatic and spectacular final in the FIFA 2022 World Cup competition in Qatar. This, no doubt can be described as the best world cup ever and arguably, fascinating and scintillating ever, in the annals of FIFA World Cup tournaments. Argentina, for the first time in 36 years, through their talisman, Lionel Messi, who may now have cemented himself as one of the greatest footballers, rose to the apogee of world’s football at the just ended biggest football festival in Qatar, glorifying themselves in a majestic reign and prestige.

Truly, it was a final to behold and for the most recognized world players, like Messi and Mbappe, holding the final to a spellbound. As the whistle went for the climax of the game, the sizzling closing ceremony then gave credence to what has been a rather fascinating football jamboree in the desert.

Although, the losers groaned, millions across the world and those who went to Qatar can frankly attest that, all the shades that took centre stage prior to the start of the tournament, with Qatar as the host, have simply become a charade. First World Cup in the Middle-East, in a country of about 2.7 million population, Qatar came under a lot of criticisms over their seemingly in-ability to organize the world cup successfully, owing to stringent measures they had outlined to protect their invaluable culture and beliefs. But, from what the world witnessed, from the opening ceremony, through to match day arrangements and fun packs, stands to reason that Qatar has indeed given us a lot to delight.

The first and the most expensive world cup, the first carbon neutral world cup, first world cup organized in a single city with eight stadiums, even peripheral ones, with installed air-conditions to neutralize a hot weather for patrons and players, as well as the twenty two thousand cameras installed to monitor every detail, in and out of stadiums, portrayed the good work the Qataris have done and shown throughout this one month period of football culture. The tag on them as being a small country, thus hosting the world cup could be difficult and therefore overwhelm them was defied and did not simply wash.

Another thing the Qataris would have to be congratulated for,maybe, is the reverence for their culture and values. The prohibition of same sex relationships, the direction to inspect certificate of married couple into the country, the ban on alcohol brought about a lot of agitations from the western world, leading to several name calling, but again Qatar shone the light and stood their grounds, without kowtowing to any geopolitical intimidation from external forces.

The coherent transportation and security systems have all been at the top lists of commendations.Just as the Qataris did not disappoint in discharging their duties, of having to give us well drilled organizations and an expensive World Cup, so did the games turn out expensive, without disappointing too. With a mixture of all the football scenarios, delight, shocks, upsets, disappointments and drama, all the 32 countries sold out sparkling games to the delight of their fans. From that famous victories of Japan over Germany and Spain to top their group, Argentina’s defeat to Saudi Arabia, Brazil’s defeat to Cameroon in the last group game being the first by any African country and the zenith of it all, Morocco’s fairy tale campaign winning against European giants such as Belgium and Portugal have proven the point, that the game of football is no more a monopoly for the South Americans and Europeans, but for all with the proper and adequate investments and preparations.

These were dreams of Jao Havalange and Joseph Sepp Blatter, the first and second Presidents of FIFA.Those shocking victories by these less fancied sides bear witness, that in this recent age, with little aggression, right mental frame and discipline, you can push the backs of the big teams to the wall.

Morocco’s record of reaching the fourth position, as the first African country has changed the course of history and has removed the scales from our eyes to look into the future and seize the opportunity of the times, going forward. The fourth place still takes nothing out of their amazing sail. It was the first time all five African nations went into the championship with local coaches. This phenomenon should not only inspire confidence in the technical abilities of our indigenous coaches, however it should flip that switch of unbelief in our own people as against the stark reliance on foreign bred coaches.

The moment should compel African Managers to invest in themselves to upgrade their expertise. The feat chalked up by Morocco, masterminded by an African Manager so to speak, should suffice to also assist our own people to enhance their skills and craft in the game, in order to push the African game to the zenith. It is expected that what Morocco has done, will be emulated by other African countries in terms of proper administration, critical investments in the game and players, to reap the dividends therein.

Let not Africa sleep on this success, but quickly put in place structures and policies that will further propel this glory for a longer time. As the numbers are likely to expand from 32 to 48 in 2026, that will be jointly-hosted by Canada, Mexico and USA, where Africa would have 9 slots, it should be a case study platform to prove that, alas, what we have always requested for is now at hand and not to go and add up to the numbers. Africa must particularly go into it with all the notes gleaned from this just ended world cup to aspire to be among the first. Africa will have to endeavour to enhance the capacities of their coaching personnel and entrust in them much trust and belief to do the work. Countries guilty of interference in player selections will have to eschew such unwarranted, mischievous and backward behaviour, so as not to blame coaches at the end and also gag people from scrutinizing their works.

Players must learn the etiquettes of the game, by being disciplined and paying attention to detail. As the world awaits the next four years, Africa, we suppose, will itch, it comes early, but it will surely be down to adequate preparations, readiness and the right mindset.

We congratulate and say Kudos to Qatar! But for the meantime, as we wait for the next four years, we say congratulations to world Champions Argentina for lifting the FIFA 2022 TROPHY.

As someone puts it, Lionel Messi can now retire peacefully. Congratulations.