By: Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nahrizul Adib Kadri
The FIFA World Cup is a global football tournament that is held every four years and is organized by the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA). It is one of the most prestigious and widely-watched sporting events in the world, attracting billions of viewers and generating a great deal of excitement and interest among football fans and non-fans alike.
This year, between 20 November and 18 December, the world will be watching to every kicks and screams (of joy and sorrow, on- and off-the-pitch) at the FIFA World Cup hosted by Qatar, a first in an Arab country.
Apart from football’s obvious attraction as the most played (and accessible) sport in the world, but the question remains: why is the FIFA World Cup so attractive and fascinates everyone of all ages?
Personally I think there are several reasons why the FIFA World Cup is so fascinating. First, it brings together the best football teams and players from around the globe, allowing fans to see the world’s top players compete against one another on the biggest stage. This level of competition and the high stakes of the tournament make for thrilling and intense matches.
Another reason the FIFA World Cup is so fascinating is that it takes place in different countries and locations around the world, which adds an element of internationalism and cultural exchange to the event. The tournament also has a rich history and tradition, dating back to the inaugural event in 1930, which adds to its appeal and prestige.
Some might argue that the reason could be simpler: because it makes money! Well, it could be; because the FIFA World Cup definitely generates a significant amount of revenue through various sources, including ticket sales, television rights, sponsorship deals, and merchandise sales.
However, it would be inaccurate to say that the primary reason the FIFA World Cup is fascinating is because it makes money. The tournament has undeniably a long history and tradition, and it attracts a huge global audience due to the high level of competition and the fact that it brings together the best football teams and players from around the world. The excitement and interest in the event extends far beyond the financial aspects, and it has a deep cultural and emotional significance for many people around the globe.
No matter what the direction of the argument takes you, at the end of the day, the tournament is just a form of entertainment. It so happens that it is the kind that are enjoyed by millions of people around the world. The excitement and passion that football generates make it a popular and enduring global sport, and the World Cup is a major event that captures the attention and imagination of people from all walks of life.
Although it is generally healthy to engage in activities that bring joy and pleasure to our lives, it is important to maintain a balance and not let these activities consume too much of our time or negatively impact other areas of our lives.
Here are a few signs that you may be spending too much time having fun (including watching the World Cup!):
You are neglecting your responsibilities: If you are not fulfilling your responsibilities at home, at work, or in other areas of your life because you are too focused on having fun, it could be a sign that you are overdoing it.
You are sacrificing your physical or mental health: If you are engaging in activities that are harmful to your physical or mental health, or if you are not taking care of yourself properly because you are too focused on having fun, it could be a sign that you need to scale back.
You are not spending enough time with loved ones: If you are spending so much time having fun that you are neglecting your relationships with friends and family, it could be a sign that you are overdoing it.
It is important to find a healthy balance between enjoying leisure activities and taking care of your responsibilities and relationships. If you feel that you are spending too much time watching football and it is negatively impacting other areas of your life, it may be helpful to reassess your priorities and make adjustments as needed. Moderation is always the key.
And having said all that: Go France!
This short piece is written in conjunction with the final of the FIFA World Cup 2022 between Argentina and France on 18 Dec 2022. The author is the Director of Corporate Communications Centre, Universiti Malaya. He may be reached at nahrizuladib@um.edu.my