Several mayors have announced that they will not broadcast the meetings of the next World Cup which takes place in Qatar, unlike previous editions. Beyond the ethical and environmental aspects, the price of energy also plays a role.
A few years ago, the municipality of Braine-le-Comte saw on its pitches the first dribbles of two young people who have now become stars of Belgian and world football: Eden and Thorgan Hazard. A source of pride for this small town of 22,000 inhabitants located between Brussels and Mons, which installs the “Hazard Village” every two years, on the occasion of the European and World Cups. The opportunity for Red Devils supporters to support their team in a festive atmosphere. “We receive around 4,000 people at each competition”, says Maxime Daye, mayor of Braine-le-Comte. Except that this year, the festivities have been canceled. “We took this decision unanimously in consultation with the associated football clubs”, continues the elected.
“It was not possible”
The reasons are of three types: ethical, ecological and energetic. “Given what is happening in Qatar, we had to actexplains the mayor. The exploitation of human beings that has been made during the construction of air-conditioned stadiums and the non-respect of human rights causes unease here. And then, this winter, at the same time as this competition is going to take place, we and the citizens will be asked to save energy. And we would install marquees with a heating system? It was not possible.”
The municipality of Braine-le-comte is not alone in having made this choice. Le Roeulx, La Louvière, Ottignies-Louvain-la-Neuve, Wavre or even Silly and Tubize have announced that no giant screen will be installed to follow the matches. The municipality of Soignies had already taken this decision in 2021 during the vote on the budget. “We said to ourselves that we had to send a strong message, to show our disapproval of this competition which takes place in despicable human and ecological conditions, says mayor Fabienne Winckel. So no, we will not pay a penny for this event.
“The city made the right choice”
Football fans will of course be able to follow the matches: at home, in bars or even in certain clubs which will install screens in their premises. “The idea is not to ban but to act with strong symbolism, explains Jacques Gobert, mayor of La Louvière. Besides, we encourage those who wish to see these matches to turn to cafes and bars. After two years of Covid, they really need it. Our action ultimately encourages local activity.”
On the side of the inhabitants of these municipalities, two feelings coexist. “I am disgusted, loose a citizen of Braine-le-Comte. After two years of Covid, I think we have the right to meet to party, as before. Françoise, a former football player would also have “enjoyed partying at Hazard Village”. But she considers that “The town made the right choice. We cannot condone, even when we are a fan like me, what is happening in Qatar. We must also be committed so that our sport is not stolen from us. Like Françoise, a very large part of the inhabitants support this action.
For some, like Saliha, the “energy saving” argument does not pass. “It’s very hypocritical. Because municipalities are not going to do anything else to limit energy consumption. Will they cancel the decorations and the Christmas market? Surely not…” A criticism that regularly returns to the ears of elected officials. “The idea is not to stop everything overnight, balance Maxime Daye. With the World Cup, what we didn’t want was to add a new source of consumption. In any case, the case caused a stir in Belgium. To the point of convincing other municipalities in the country and elsewhere to follow the movement?