Gary Lineker got BBC's World Cup coverage under way with a powerful introduction addressing the issues that surrounded the tournament in Qatar.
Football's biggest tournament got underway today with Ecuador facing the hosts Qatar in the opening game of the tournament.
The build up has been largely discussed about issues off the pitch, with the decision to host the tournament in Qatar proving to be controversial since it was awarded to them in 2010. Discrimination against the LGBTQ+ community and women's rights, deaths of thousands of migrant workers, and accusations of bribery and corruption means this is not a tournament for all.
The extreme hot weather conditions in Qatar means we are in for the first World Cup held in winter, with a chaotic schedule leading to several big names missing the action through injury, including Karim Benzema and Sadio Mane.
Gary Lineker Calls Out Qatar Issues
Never one to shy away from discussing the difficult topics, Gary Lineker got straight into the major talking points surrounding the competition as the action got underway today.
The former England striker will continue to be a familiar face on our tv screens through the competition, and didn't hold back in this powerful monologue of the competition.
What an opening monologue from @GaryLineker. Pitch perfect. #FIFAWorldCup #Qatar2022 pic.twitter.com/iXGLZPWeRt
— Jack Parker (@JackParkr) November 20, 2022
"The smallest nation to hold football's greatest competition, has faced some big questions. From accusations of corruption in the bidding process, to the treatment of migrant workers who built the stadiums where many lost their lives.
Homosexuality is illegal here, women's rights and freedom of expressions are in the spotlight. Also the decision six years ago to switch the World Cup from summer to winter.
Against that backdrop there is a tournament to be played, one that will watched and enjoyed around the World."
It is refreshing to see someone of Gary Lineker's status call out the controversial issues that have surrounded the tournament, and will need high profile pundits and players to continue to do so over the next month.
SEE ALSO: Watch: Roy Keane Was Not Impressed About Gary Neville's Saipan Question
