World Cup 2022 – Before the World Cup in Qatar, there was rejection rather than jubilation in Bielchtal

They’re usually always there, at least when Austria plays: the Pielachtal fan club has cut half way through world history to major football events with banners and big flags. But this time everything is different.

The club sees the World Cup in Qatar as consistently negative. “These days, issues such as equality, sustainability and fair working conditions are more important than ever, and now such a global sporting event is being organized in a country in violation of all this,” said Vice Chairman Andreas Grassmann.

“Our members were also skeptical if they could ride at all.” Andreas Grassmann on Bielchtal on the situation when Austria qualifies for the World Cup

Even if Austria qualified, things would have been exciting internally, according to Grassmann. Whether and how the team could be supported on site would be a challenge. “Our members were also skeptical if they could ride at all.”

For these reasons, the club does not want to support the World Cup. Even the entire Pielachtal fan club would welcome any demands for a boycott. The club will also refrain from broadcasting the World Cup live. “We also do not believe in commercializing football in a country like Qatar, which does not have a football culture,” he is convinced and hopes to share the same opinion.

Trade in electronic devices usually thrives before football events. But even here, electrical appliance retailers in the valley hardly notice the strong demand for televisions and projectors. “The World Cup will take place in the winter of this year. Thus, special public performances will not take place outdoors, and therefore no projectors will be required,” reports Michael Brunis of Electro Focus at Uber Grafendorf.

“In the past European and World Championships, the demand for televisions was even more pronounced.” Bettina Zuzal from Electro Koenig at Rabinstein

Even Bettina Zauzal of Elektro König in Rabenstein doesn’t see any significant increase in TV sales. “In the past European and World Championships, the demand for televisions was more pronounced,” she looks back. You also think the time of year might be a cause. “In addition, there will be a lot of people who view the World Cup in Qatar critically and therefore not watch the matches.”

Public performances are also only available in the state capital of Roter Hahn and at the See Lounge on Lake Ratzersdorf.

Even if you ask at travel agencies in St. Pölten, there are no questions about flights to the finals. Qatar will be the World Cup short distances. The proximity of the stadiums to each other makes it possible for the first time to watch several World Cup matches live in one day.

An approach that makes the whole thing interesting again for Ferdinand Weiss, an expert on football travel. Through “Fanreisen24” offers a football tour. “On four days from November 19 to 24, you will have the opportunity to watch a match in each of the eight World Cup stadiums and get to know the host country Qatar and the majestic capital Doha,” put the package.