Former Manchester United forward, Eric Cantona, has said he will boycott this year’s FIFA 2022 World Cup.
According to Cantona, this edition is not the “real” version of the tournament.
He also cited the treatment of workers in Qatar and the decision to hand hosting duties to the country.
Qatar have never qualified for the World Cup, but will be present as hosts in 2022, with the games moving to November and December from the normal summer slot.
While Cantona has recognised the value of allowing football to grow in new markets, he has suggested the absence of meritocracy in Qatar plays a part in his stance on the upcoming tournament.
“To be honest, I don’t really care about the next World Cup, which is not a real World Cup for me,” Cantona told The Mail.
“I’m not against the idea of hosting a World Cup in a country where there is a possibility to develop and promote football, like in South Africa or the United States in the 90’s.
“But in Qatar, the truth is that there is no such potential. There is nothing. It’s only about money I think.
“It’s only about money and the way they treated the people who built the stadiums, it’s horrible. And thousands of people died. And yet we will celebrate this World Cup.”