Part 4/6:
The conversation quickly veers into a darker territory when discussing Saudi Arabia. Critics point out that the nation is notorious for its poor human rights record, notably concerning gender equality and freedom of expression. As a result, the decision to host the World Cup there has been labeled as a blatant disregard for these pressing issues. Voices in the discourse lament how sports entities appear to be commodifying international events, essentially "selling out" to countries willing to spend lavishly, irrespective of their ethical standing.