Manchester United Legend Eric Cantona Attacks FIFA, Threatens to Boycott World Cup

• Former Manchester United striker Eric Cantona has launched a scathing attack on world football governing body FIFA
• Cantona said that various controversial factors surrounding the awarding of hosting rights of the 2022 FIFA World Cup to Qatar would make him boycott the event
• These include the alleged poor treatment of workers and also how the tournament's location was just about money and not developing new football markets

Former Manchester United striker Eric Cantona has launched an unexpected and scathing attack on world football governing body FIFA.

The legendary footballer, who is now an actor, said that this year's tournament to be held in Qatar was not an authentic version of the global showpiece event. He cited the alleged poor treatment of workers and the decision to award hosting rights to the country back in 2010.

According to The Mirror, Cantona said that while he acknowledges the value of allowing football to grow in new markets, he believes the absence of meritocracy in Qatar tarnished the image of this year's tournament.

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Football

Cantona said to 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."

Messi, Lewandowski, and Salah nominated for FIFA 'The Best' Award

Bayern Munich forward Robert Lewandowski leads the line again as FIFA has released the top three nominees for the 2021 FIFA 'The Best' Award.

The Poland captain was nominated alongside Argentine forward Lionel Messi and Egypt’s Mohammed Salah for the prestigious annual award.

Lewandowski, who won the award in 2020, had a stellar 2021 as reported by The Sporting News, with the Bayern Munich forward bagging 43 Bundesliga goals, 11 Champions League goals, two DFB-Pokal goals, and 13 for the Polish national team, a total to 69.