South Orange, NJ November 17, 2022 – With the World Cup set to begin this weekend, 54 percent of America’s general population (and 53 percent of the country’s sports fans) say that FIFA, the world governing body for soccer, should not have awarded the event to Qatar.
Just 14 percent of the general population think Qatar should host the games; the number for Qatar support rises to 20 percent for self-described sports fans.
Given what we know about Qatar’s labor practices, should FIFA have awarded the 2022 World Cup to Qatar?
| N=1,533
|
General
Population |
Sports
Fan* |
Non Fan | Avid
Fan |
Casual
Fan |
| Yes | 14% | 20% | 4% | 33% | 15% |
| No | 54% | 53% | 56% | 45% | 56% |
| Don’t know/No opinion | 32% | 27% | 40% | 22% | 29% |
*Sports Fan = Avid + Casual fans
These were among the findings of a Seton Hall Sports Poll conducted this week among 1,533 adults across the country. The poll featured a national representative sample weighted on U.S. Census Bureau figures for gender, age, ethnicity, education, income and geography and has a margin of error of +/- 2.5 percent.
Human Rights Violations = Less Interest?
Qatar, the Middle Eastern nation of only 4,468 square miles (about the size of Connecticut), was awarded the games despite accusations of human rights violations including low pay and dangerous working conditions for migrant workers. Migrant workers were widely utilized in Qatar for building the stadiums and infrastructure for the event. With this in mind, America’s general population was evenly divided 37-37 percent (24 percent don’t know/no opinion) on whether those factors have made them less interested in watching the World Cup. At the same time, sports fans (43 percent) and avid fans (49 percent) said they were less interested in watching the World Cup.
The 2022 World Cup is being held in Qatar, a country accused of human rights violations, including providing low pay and dangerous working conditions for migrant workers who have been building the stadiums and sports infrastructure to host the World Cup. Does this make you less interested in watching the 2022 World Cup?
| N=1,533
|
General
Population |
Sports
Fan* |
Non Fan | Avid
Fan |
Casual
Fan |
| Yes | 37% | 43% | 30% | 49% | 40% |
| No | 37% | 36% | 39% | 34% | 37% |
| Don’t know/No opinion | 24% | 21% | 31% | 17% | 23% |
*Sports Fan = Avid + Casual fans
It has been reported that 6,500 migrant workers have died related to World Cup infrastructure improvements in Qatar, with 38 of those deaths directly tied to stadium construction. Asked if this report made poll respondents less interested in watching, 42 percent of the general population and 46 percent of sports fans said it did. More than half (54 percent) of those who call themselves avid fans are also less interested in watching.
As with any major event such as the World Cup, Qatar has needed to invest heavily in its infrastructure growth (i.e., subways, roads, hotels etc.) to meet the demands of hosting such a large tournament. Since the announcement of Qatar hosting the World Cup in 2010, The Guardian newspaper in England has reported that more than 6,500 migrant workers have died, 38 of which have been directly tied to the construction of World Cup Stadiums. Does this make you less interested in watching the 2022 World Cup?
| N=1,533
|
General
Population |
Sports
Fan* |
Non Fan | Avid
Fan |
Casual
Fan |
| Yes | 42% | 46% | 35% | 54% | 43% |
| No | 34% | 35% | 34% | 32% | 36% |
| Don’t know/No opinion | 24% | 19% | 31% | 14% | 21% |
*Sports Fan = Avid + Casual
“The World Cup is world news and there is nothing else quite like it, except the Olympics,” said Professor Charles Grantham, Director of the Center for Sport Management within Seton Hall’s Stillman School of Business, which sponsors the Poll. “Where is the ethical behavior of FIFA’s leadership? It has been close to two decades of scandal, where ethical principles were compromised. Sporting events on this scale require more than FIFA has delivered.”
Is FIFA Ethically Centered?
Asked whether they believe that FIFA is an ethically centered organization, a little more than one third of Americans said no (36 percent general population, 34 percent sports fans).
FIFA is the world governing body for soccer and is responsible for organizing the World Cup. Do you believe that FIFA is an ethically centered organization?
| N=1,533
|
General
Population |
Sports
Fan* |
Non Fan | Avid
Fan |
Casual
Fan |
| Yes | 23% | 33% | 8% | 45% | 28% |
| No | 36% | 34% | 40% | 33% | 34% |
| Don’t know/No opinion | 41% | 33% | 52% | 22% | 38% |
*Sports Fan = Avid + Casual fans
That number, however, rose into the mid-40s when respondents were told of indictments against numerous FIFA officials for taking bribes in conjunction with the awarding of the host country sites of the World Cup.
In 2020, the U.S. Department of Justice issued an indictment against numerous FIFA officials for taking bribes in connection to their votes awarding World Cup host status to Russia for the 2018 games and Qatar for 2022. Do you believe that FIFA is an ethically centered organization?
| N=1,533
|
General
Population |
Sports
Fan* |
Non Fan | Avid
Fan |
Casual
Fan |
| Yes | 19% | 28% | 5% | 41% | 22% |
| No | 45% | 42% | 48% | 39% | 44% |
| Don’t know/No opinion | 36% | 30% | 47% | 20% | 34% |
*Sports Fan = Avid + Casual fans
“Imagine this… many people – a third to 40 percent – thinking the NFL, NBA, MLB or NHL are not ethically centered organizations,” said Seton Hall Marketing Professor Daniel Ladik, who is chief methodologist for the poll. “Despite the concrete numbers, it’s unfathomable really; and for the world’s sport, simply unforgivable.”
Protests Against Qatar?
While the World Cup competition cannot be undone from Qatar, some countries and sport federations are protesting in their own way. France is limiting the broadcasting of games from public sites. By 42-21 percent (with 37 percent undecided), Americans agree with this action by the French government.
As a form of protest against Qatar, in France, World Cup games will be prohibited from broadcast in public places. Do you agree with the position of the French government?
| N=1,533
|
General
Population |
Sports
Fan* |
Non Fan | Avid
Fan |
Casual
Fan |
| Yes | 42% | 45% | 39% | 56% | 41% |
| No | 21% | 24% | 16% | 24% | 24% |
| Don’t know/No opinion | 37% | 31% | 45% | 20% | 35% |
*Sports Fan = Avid + Casual fans
Denmark will not wear identifying marks on its jerseys as a form of protest, and 42 percent of Americans (46 percent of sports fans) are in agreement with their action.
As a form of protest against Qatar, the Danish World Cup team will wear jerseys that lack visible team identification, saying “We don’t wish to be visible during a tournament that has cost thousands of people their lives.” The jersey suppliers said “We support the Danish national team all the way, but that isn’t the same as supporting Qatar as a host nation.” Do you agree with the position of the Danish Football Association?
| N=1,533
|
General
Population |
Sports
Fan* |
Non Fan | Avid
Fan |
Casual
Fan |
| Yes | 42% | 46% | 36% | 54% | 42% |
| No | 18% | 20% | 15% | 22% | 20% |
| Don’t know/No opinion | 40% | 34% | 49% | 24% | 38% |
*Sports Fan = Avid + Casual fans
Two Thirds of Americans Have No Plan to Protest
While 66 percent of America’s general population (55 percent of sports fans, 41 percent of avid fans) will not personally protest, that leaves about a third of the U.S. talking about Qatar’s practices either through negative world-of-mouth, social media activity, wearing of clothing or attending a rally – probably not what Qatar was looking for when hosting an international soccer tournament.
In what ways, if any, will you protest Qatar hosting the 2022 World Cup? Please check all that apply.
- I will talk about Qatar hosting the 2022 World Cup among friends and family members
- I will be active about Qatar hosting the 2022 World Cup on social media
- I will wear clothing in protest of Qatar hosting the 2022 World Cup
- I will attend an in-person event or rally regarding Qatar hosting the 2022 World Cup
- I will not protest Qatar hosting the 2022 World Cup in any way
| N=1,533
|
General
Population |
Sports
Fan* |
Non Fan | Avid
Fan |
Casual
Fan |
| I will talk… | 22% | 27% | 14% | 30% | 25% |
| Active on social media… | 12% | 16% | 5% | 22% | 13% |
| Wear clothing… | 6% | 8% | 3% | 13% | 6% |
| Attend an event or rally… | 7% | 10% | 2% | 17% | 6% |
| I will not protest… | 66% | 55% | 82% | 41% | 61% |
*Sports Fan = Avid + Casual fans
Fund for Migrant Workers
Earlier this year, Amnesty International called for establishment of a fund equal to World Cup prize money ($440 million) for the migrant workers, and 48 percent of the U.S. general population (52 percent of sports fans, 63 percent of avid fans) agree, with less than 16 percent opposed.
In May 2022, Amnesty International issued a new report and public call for FIFA and the Qatari government to create a fund of $440 million for Qatar’s migrant workers – an amount equal to the prize money FIFA will award to the teams for the 2022 World Cup. Should FIFA and Qatari government create this fund?
| N=1,533
|
General
Population |
Sports
Fan* |
Non Fan | Avid
Fan |
Casual
Fan |
| Yes | 48% | 52% | 42% | 63% | 48% |
| No | 13% | 15% | 11% | 14% | 15% |
| Don’t know/No opinion | 39% | 33% | 47% | 23% | 37% |
*Sports Fan = Avid + Casual fans
Fox Sports, the U.S. broadcaster, will not cover any stories related to migrant workers, LGBTQ+ or women’s rights in Qatar unless these events occur on-field and during a game. When asked, 41 percent of the general population oppose that editorial policy, with only 25 percent supporting it, and 34 percent in the don’t know/no opinion column. The balance swings towards support of the policy among avid fans, by 44-34 percent.
Beyond the mistreatment of migrant workers, Qatar is also accused of having weak support for women’s and LGBTQ+ rights. Fox Sports, the U.S. World Cup broadcaster, says it will not cover any stories related to migrant workers, LGBTQ+ or women’s rights in Qatar. Do you support this editorial policy?
| N=1,533
|
General
Population |
Sports
Fan* |
Non Fan | Avid
Fan |
Casual
Fan |
| Yes | 25% | 32% | 15% | 44% | 27% |
| No | 41% | 38% | 44% | 34% | 40% |
| Don’t know/No opinion | 34% | 30% | 41% | 22% | 33% |
*Sports Fan = Avid + Casual fans
# # #
More questions and charts below.
ABOUT THE POLL
The Seton Hall Sports Poll, conducted regularly since 2006, is performed by the Sharkey Institute within the Stillman School of Business. This poll was conducted online by YouGov Plc. using a national representative sample weighted according to gender, age, ethnicity, education, income and geography, based on U.S. Census Bureau figures. Respondents were selected from YouGov’s opt-in panel to be representative of all U.S residents. This poll release conforms to the Standards of Disclosure of the National Council on Public Polls. The Seton Hall Sports Poll has been chosen for inclusion in iPoll by Cornell’s Roper Center for Public Opinion Research and its findings have been published everywhere from USA Today, ESPN, The New York Times, Washington Post, AP, and Reuters to CNBC, NPR, Yahoo Finance, Fox News and many points in between.
Media: Michael Ricciardelli, Associate Director of Media Relations, Seton Hall University
michael.ricciardelli@shu.edu, 908-447-3034; Marty Appel, AppelPR@gmail.com
November 2022 Seton Hall Sports Poll
This SHSP was conducted November 11th through November 14th and includes responses from 1,533 U.S. adults with a margin of error of 2.5%. The sample mirrors the U.S. Census percentages on age, gender, income, education, ethnicity, and region.
Q1. Which of the following statements best describes you?
- I am an avid sports fan 19%
- I am a sports fan 42%
- I am not a sports fan 39%
Now a few questions about FIFA and Qatar…
Q11a. FIFA is the world governing body for soccer and is responsible for organizing the World Cup. Do you believe that FIFA is an ethically centered organization?
| N=1,533
|
General
Population |
Sports
Fan* |
Non Fan | Avid
Fan |
Casual
Fan |
| Yes | 23% | 33% | 8% | 45% | 28% |
| No | 36% | 34% | 40% | 33% | 34% |
| Don’t know/No opinion | 41% | 33% | 52% | 22% | 38% |
*Sports Fan = Avid + Casual fans
In 2020, the U.S. Department of Justice issued an indictment against numerous FIFA officials for taking bribes in connection to their votes awarding World Cup host status to Russia for the 2018 games and Qatar for 2022.
Q11b. Do you believe that FIFA is an ethically centered organization?
| N=1,533
|
General
Population |
Sports
Fan* |
Non Fan | Avid
Fan |
Casual
Fan |
| Yes | 19% | 28% | 5% | 41% | 22% |
| No | 45% | 42% | 48% | 39% | 44% |
| Don’t know/No opinion | 36% | 30% | 47% | 20% | 34% |
*Sports Fan = Avid + Casual fans
The 2022 World Cup is being held in Qatar, a country accused of human rights violations, including providing low pay and dangerous working conditions for migrant workers who have been building the stadiums and sports infrastructure to host the World Cup.
Q11c. Does this make you less interested in watching the 2022 World Cup?
| N=1,533
|
General
Population |
Sports
Fan* |
Non Fan | Avid
Fan |
Casual
Fan |
| Yes | 37% | 43% | 30% | 49% | 40% |
| No | 37% | 36% | 39% | 34% | 37% |
| Don’t know/No opinion | 24% | 21% | 31% | 17% | 23% |
*Sports Fan = Avid + Casual fans
As with any major event such as the World Cup, Qatar has needed to invest heavily in its infrastructure growth (i.e subways, roads, hotels etc.) to meet the demands of hosting such a large tournament. Since the announcement of Qatar hosting the World Cup in 2010, The Guardian newspaper in England has reported that more than 6,500 migrant workers have died, 38 of which have been directly tied to the construction of World Cup Stadiums.
Q12a. Does this make you less interested in watching the 2022 World Cup?
| N=1,533
|
General
Population |
Sports
Fan* |
Non Fan | Avid
Fan |
Casual
Fan |
| Yes | 42% | 46% | 35% | 54% | 43% |
| No | 34% | 35% | 34% | 32% | 36% |
| Don’t know/No opinion | 24% | 19% | 31% | 14% | 21% |
*Sports Fan = Avid + Casual fans
Q12b. Given what we know about Qatar’s labor practices, should FIFA have awarded the 2022 World Cup to Qatar?
| N=1,533
|
General
Population |
Sports
Fan* |
Non Fan | Avid
Fan |
Casual
Fan |
| Yes | 14% | 20% | 4% | 33% | 15% |
| No | 54% | 53% | 56% | 45% | 56% |
| Don’t know/No opinion | 32% | 27% | 40% | 22% | 29% |
*Sports Fan = Avid + Casual fans
Q13. In what ways, if any, will you protest Qatar hosting the 2022 World Cup? Please check all that apply.
- I will talk about Qatar hosting the 2022 World Cup among friends and family members
- I will be active about Qatar hosting the 2022 World Cup on social media
- I will wear clothing in protest of Qatar hosting the 2022 World Cup
- I will attend an in-person event or rally regarding Qatar hosting the 2022 World Cup
- I will not protest Qatar hosting the 2022 World Cup in any way
| N=1,533
|
General
Population |
Sports
Fan* |
Non Fan | Avid
Fan |
Casual
Fan |
| I will talk | 22% | 27% | 14% | 30% | 25% |
| Active on social media | 12% | 16% | 5% | 22% | 13% |
| Wear clothing | 6% | 8% | 3% | 13% | 6% |
| Attend an event or rally | 7% | 10% | 2% | 17% | 6% |
| I will not protest | 66% | 55% | 82% | 41% | 61% |
*Sports Fan = Avid + Casual fans
Q14a. As a form of protest against Qatar, in France, World Cup games will be prohibited from broadcast in public places. Do you agree with the position of the French government?
| N=1,533
|
General
Population |
Sports
Fan* |
Non Fan | Avid
Fan |
Casual
Fan |
| Yes | 42% | 45% | 39% | 56% | 41% |
| No | 21% | 24% | 16% | 24% | 24% |
| Don’t know/No opinion | 37% | 31% | 45% | 20% | 35% |
*Sports Fan = Avid + Casual fans
As a form of protest against Qatar, the Danish World Cup team will wear jerseys that lack visible team identification, saying “We don’t wish to be visible during a tournament that has cost thousands of people their lives.” The jersey suppliers said “We support the Danish national team all the way, but that isn’t the same as supporting Qatar as a host nation.”
Q14b. Do you agree with the position of the Danish Football Association?
| N=1,533
|
General
Population |
Sports
Fan* |
Non Fan | Avid
Fan |
Casual
Fan |
| Yes | 42% | 46% | 36% | 54% | 42% |
| No | 18% | 20% | 15% | 22% | 20% |
| Don’t know/No opinion | 40% | 34% | 49% | 24% | 38% |
*Sports Fan = Avid + Casual fans
In May 2022, Amnesty International issued a new report and public call for FIFA and the Qatari government to create a fund of $440 million for Qatar’s migrant workers – an amount equal to the prize money FIFA will award to the teams for the 2022 World Cup.
Q15a. Should FIFA and Qatari government create this fund?
| N=1,533
|
General
Population |
Sports
Fan* |
Non Fan | Avid
Fan |
Casual
Fan |
| Yes | 48% | 52% | 42% | 63% | 48% |
| No | 13% | 15% | 11% | 14% | 15% |
| Don’t know/No opinion | 39% | 33% | 47% | 23% | 37% |
*Sports Fan = Avid + Casual fans
Beyond the mistreatment of migrant workers, Qatar is also accused of having weak support for women’s and LGBTQ+ rights. Fox Sports, the U.S. World Cup broadcaster, says it will not cover any stories related to migrant workers, LGBTQ+ or women’s rights in Qatar.
Q15b. Do you support this editorial policy?
| N=1,533
|
General
Population |
Sports
Fan* |
Non Fan | Avid
Fan |
Casual
Fan |
| Yes | 25% | 32% | 15% | 44% | 27% |
| No | 41% | 38% | 44% | 34% | 40% |
| Don’t know/No opinion | 34% | 30% | 41% | 22% | 33% |
*Sports Fan = Avid + Casual fans
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