Why on earth am I watching the World Cup? Well, I’ll tell you..

Since the first World Cup which I remember — 1986 (though 1990 was the one which utterly consumed me) – I’ve collected stickers, bought shirts and stayed up late/got up early to watch games – all the while learning loads about the world and the people in it.

In fact, I’ve enjoyed the tournament so much it is often the case the only way I can remember when major incidents in my life happened is by relating them to the nearest World Cup.

So I couldn’t fathom boycotting Qatar 2022. If anything, the timing of it is actually quite good, in that this winter feels even more miserable than usual – and it’s nice to have something to watch and talk about with my mates.

Of course, the idea of people watching these games is appalling to many and I’ve noticed some campaigns on social media attempting to shame people who are following at home.

Of course I share the disgust of those who have boycotted it. I acknowledge (and am genuinely angry) that FIFA allowed a country who’ve never been near the tournament to play host while, more alarmingly, turned too much of a blind eye to the sickening homophobia in said part of the world.

And of course, the horrifying legacy of those pop-up stadiums, built in a rush by migrants, many of whom paid the ultimate price.

But I am going to watch the games. And just like I did as a young boy, as a teenager and even as an adult, I’m going to learn about the world. Not just what is right and wonderful about it as has mostly been the case in the past, but what remains rancid and broken.

I do get that my whole approach is a bit “having your cake and eating it”, maybe even a complete cop out.

But my truth is that this World Cup has reminded me – and I hope everyone watching – how certain people and communities are treated, not just in Qatar, but all around the world, be they LGBTQ+, migrants, the vulnerable.

The focus is on the Middle East – but we are also reminded of how so much of the human race on this planet – from governments down to regular folk – do not behave as they should.

No one country is doing their best and no one person has nothing to learn.

The football has become completely secondary at this World Cup.

Which could, here’s hoping, be a longterm backfire for both Qatar and FIFA.

And that, if nothing else, is certainly something to be grateful for.