FIFA World Cup 2022: Shakira Is Not Performing In Opening Ceremony

FIFA World Cup 2022: Shakira Is Not Performing In Opening Ceremony

The renowned Shakira has declined to perform at the FIFA World Cup 2022 opening ceremony. Several performers protested the Qatari government’s stringent standards.

She is not the only singer who has refused to perform at the FIFA World Cup’s opening ceremony, which will take place from November 20 to December 18.

The opening ceremony of one of the world’s most anticipated tournaments is set to begin at 17 a.m. local time. Although the Colombian singer will not be singing, other well-known musicians such as Nicki Minaj, Jungkook of BTS, Jason Derulo, Sean Paul, Nora Fatehi, Clean Bandit, and others will.

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Why Is Shakira Not Performing In FIFA World Cup 2022

Shakira, the ‘Waka Waka’ singer, will not perform at the 2022 FIFA World Cup opening ceremony in Qatar.

The Colombian singer known as the “Queen of Latin Music” was named as one of the candidates to perform at the World Cup opening ceremony in Qatar, which begins on November 20.

Shakira was invited to perform as a special guest, but she got harsh criticism even before she knew she was on the list. As a result, she dropped her name from the list of musicians who will perform on stage.

Although the exact reason she stepped out is unknown, many feel it was due to the host country’s attitude of LGBTQ+ individuals. However, as Marca noted, she may have some part in later World Cup tournaments, despite not having any in the inaugural.

Along with her popular English pop singer and songwriter, Dua Lipa, she joined the list of performers who refuse to appear on stage. Lipa, unlike Shakira, gave an explanation for her absence from the global event on social media.

Dua stated on social media that she had never reached the point of discussion because she had been committed to the decision from the start. The English singer stated that she would like to visit the country after all human rights have been met.

Rod Stewart was also one of the artists in charge of the performance, but he declined, claiming that it is not right to go to a country that upholds such ideals and ideas. He also said that he was promised over a million dollars to perform on stage, but the artist maintained his ideals.

Qatar Has Strict Laws For The FIFA Fans Visiting From All Over The World

Football fans travelling Qatar to see the FIFA must adhere to the country’s stringent laws. Anyone who violates the country’s regulations faces legal consequences, including substantial fines and jail time. During the match, more than 1.5 million people are scheduled to visit the host country.

Fans are barred from engaging in many activities, including becoming intoxicated on the street. Furthermore, people should be informed of LGBTQ legislation, as they are not accepted there. There are also restrictions on what an individual can wear and carry into the nation.

Alcohol Laws That Every World Cup Visitor Should Be Aware Of

Just 48 hours before the start of the World Cup, FIFA declared that beer is prohibited in the stadium. Furthermore, due to royal family pressure, the selling of alcohol is not permitted in the arena.

The government of the hosting country has made it clear that football fans discovered intoxicated on the street might face up to six months in jail or be fined heavily.

Except in a few spots, no one is permitted to consume alcohol in public in Qatar. However, security will be more relaxed during the event. However, if those persons are caught vandalising property or engaging in brawls, the law will severely penalise them.

Because the importation of alcoholic beverages is forbidden, no one is even permitted to purchase duty-free drinks. If anyone tries to bring it into the nation, it will be confiscated at the airport.

In addition to all other laws and regulations, people will be permitted to consume alcohol in designated fan zones in Doha. However, there is a limit on how much an individual can purchase. Furthermore, the hosting country’s legal drinking age is 21.

According to the Daily Mail, security guards in bars and clubs frequently ask for a passport or ID before allowing someone in.

Qatar Has Strict Rules Against LGBTQ

In Qatar, LGBTQ actions are deemed immoral, and Sharia law prohibits same-gender unions. The requirements are so tight that a judicial execution could be issued. In that circumstance, prison sentences of up to seven years and substantial fines are most usual.

However, the World Cup organisers have stated unequivocally that everyone is welcome, regardless of their preferred partner. A month before, Qatar World Cup ambassador Khalid Salman described sexuality, except for straight people, as “mental disease.”

Although the laws prohibit it, LGBTQ couples may openly hold hands, cuddle, and kiss throughout the event. Furthermore, FIFA urged that the Interior Ministry prevent cops from arresting community fans throughout the World Cup.

There Are Laws For Outfits Too

The Arab nation has requested that tourists dress appropriately. Because most women in the country wear abayas, a long dark garment that covers their entire body, the country prefers that tourists dress modestly.

They have, however, suggested that visitors wear clothing that covers their shoulders and up to their knees. Those seen wearing sleeveless tops near key shipping terminals, markets, and government offices would be denied entry.

Those who prefer to wear a bikini can do so in the hotel pools. Fans, like the majority of women in the country, are not required to cover their hair.

Other Items Tourists Are Not Allowed to Bring to Qatar

Contraband narcotics are prohibited in Qatar, as they are in any other country, and can result in lengthy prison sentences. Aside from that, pig products and religious texts are prohibited in the country.

Any 18+ intimacy products, including intimate toys, will be scanned, and contraband will be seized if it is forbidden in the Hamad International Airport Arrival Hall.

Furthermore, the selling of electronic cigarettes, vapes, liquids, and similar items is prohibited under local law. Those travelling there must therefore be certain and aware of what they are carrying.

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Who refused to perform during the opening ceremony of the World Cup?

Dua Lipa was one of the names previously linked to performing at the opening ceremony, but she put an end to the rumours on November 13.

“There is presently a lot of rumour that I will be performing at the World Cup opening ceremony in Qatar,” she said at the time on her Instagram story.

“I will not be performing, and I have never been involved in any performance negotiations.”

“I’ll be rooting for England from afar…

Dua, one love.”

Sir Rod Stewart recently revealed that he turned down a lucrative opportunity to perform in Qatar more than a year ago.

Stewart told The Sunday Times, “I was genuinely promised a lot of money, over $1 million, to play there 15 months ago.”

“I declined it. It’s not the proper time to leave.”

Where to watch the FIFA World Cup live on TV and live streaming?

Here’s a list of the TV broadcasters who organisers FIFA are partnering with and where you can watch the 2022 World Cup tournament games across the globe.

Afghanistan: ATN
Albania: RTSH
Argentina: TVP – TyC Sports
Armenia: AMPTV
Australia: SBS
Austria: ORF – ServusTV
Azerbaijan: İTV
Bangladesh: T Sports
Belarus: Belteleradio
Belgium: RTBFVRT
Bolivia: Bolivia TV – Red Uno – Unitel
Bosnia and Herzegovina: BHRT
Bulgaria: BNT – Nova
Brazil: TV Globo
Brunei: Kristal-Astro
Cambodia: TVK
Canada: Bell Media
Caribbean: SportsMax
Cayman Islands: Logic
Central Asia: Saran Media
China: CCTV – Migu
Colombia: Caracol Televisión – RCN Televisión
Costa Rica: Teletica
Croatia: HRT
Curaçao: TV Direct 13
Cyprus: CyBC
Czech Republic: ČTTV Nova
Denmark: DRTV 2
Ecuador: Teleamazonas
El Salvador: TCS
Estonia: ERR
Europe: EBU
France: TF1 – beIN Sports
Finland: Yle – MTV3
Georgia: GPB
Germany: ARD – ZDF – Deutsche Telekom
Greece: ANT1
Guatemala: TV Azteca – Tigo Sports
Honduras: Televicentro
Hong Kong: PCCW
Hungary: MTVA
Iceland: RÚV
Indian subcontinent: Viacom18
Indonesia: Klikdaily – Emtek
Ireland: RTÉ
Israel: IPBC
Italy: RAI
Japan: Dentsu – Abema
Kazakhstan: Kazakh TV
Kosovo: RTK
Latin America: Vrio Corp.
Latvia: LTV
Liechtenstein: SRG SSR
Lithuania: LRT
Macau: TDM
Malaysia: Astro – RTM
Malta: PBS
MENA: beIN Sports
Mexico: TelevisaTV Azteca
Moldova: TRM
Mongolia: Central Television
Montenegro: RTCG
Nepal: Media Hub
Netherlands: NOS
New Zealand: Sky
North Macedonia: MRT
Norway: NRKTV 2
Pakistan: ARY Digital Network
Panama: RPC – TVN
Paraguay: SNT – Telefuturo – TreceTyC – SportsTigo Sports
Peru: Latina Televisión
Philippines: TAP DMV
Poland: TVP
Portugal: RTP Sport TV
Romania: TVR
Russia: Match TV – Channel One – VGTRK
Senegal: RTS
Serbia: RTS
Slovakia: RTVS
Slovenia: RTV
South Africa: SABC
South Korea: SBS – KBS – MBC
Spain: RTVE – Mediapro
Sub-Saharan Africa: SuperSport – New World TV
Suriname: SCCN – STVS
Sweden: SVT TV4
Switzerland: SRG SSR
Taiwan: ELTA
Trinidad and Tobago: CNC3
Turkey: TRT
Ukraine: Suspilne
United Kingdom: BBC ITV
United States: Fox – Telemundo
Uruguay: ANTEL – Canal 4 – Canal 10 – TeledoceTyC Sports
Uzbekistan: MTRK
Venezuela: Televen

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How to Watch the Opening Ceremony of the World Cup Live?

The opening ceremony of the 2022 World Cup will be televised and streamed in numerous ways around the world, attracting a large worldwide audience.

	Date	Time	TV	Stream
USA	Nov. 20	9:00	FOX, Telemundo	fuboTV, Fox Sports app, Telemundo Deportes En Vivo
Canada	Nov. 20	9:00	CTV, TSN	TSN app
UK	Nov. 20	14:00	BBC One	BBC iPlayer, BBC Sport Website
Australia	Nov. 21	01:00	SBS	SBS On Demand
New Zealand	Nov. 21	03:00	Sky Sport	Sky Sport
India	Nov. 20	19:00	Sports 18	Voot
Malaysia	Nov. 20	22:00	RTM, Astro	Astro Go
Singapore	Nov. 20	22:00	Mediacorp Channel 5	StarHub TV+, IPTV, Singtel TV
Hong Kong	Nov. 20	22:00	BeIN Sports, ITV	Now TV, ViuTV

World Cup 2022 tournament format

The 2022 World Cup will follow along the lines of recent editions, with a 32-team group stage to whittle the field down to 16 teams — only the top two teams from each of the eight groups survive.

Those 16 group-stage teams will advance to the single-game knockout stages — Round of 16, quarterfinals, semifinals, final — where the winner moves on and the loser goes home. There must be a winner on the day for every knockout-round match, and extra time and penalty kicks will be used, if necessary, to determine the victor.

Group stage: Nov. 20-Dec. 2
Round of 16: Dec. 3-6
Quarterfinals: Dec. 9-10
Semifinals: Dec. 13-14
Third-place match: Dec. 17
Final: Dec. 18

Who will be performing at the opening ceremony?

FIFA has yet to announce a full list of performers for the opening ceremony.
South Korea’s BTS said Jungkook, one of seven members of the boy band, would perform a track titled “Dreamers” at the ceremony.
Others named as possible performers at the opening ceremony include the Black Eyed Peas, Robbie Williams and Nora Fatehi, according to the Telegraph.
In an excerpt of an interview with Italy’s Il Venerdì di Repubblica to be published next month, Williams said it would be “hypocritical” of him to not perform in Qatar.
British singer Dua Lipa denied a report that she was set to perform. Some Spanish media reports said Shakira would also not perform.
Singer Rod Stewart told the Times he had turned down an offer of “over $1 million” to perform in Qatar.

Childhood and Adolescence

Shakira Isabel Mebarak Ripoll was born on February 2, 1977, in Barranquilla, Colombia, to Nidia Ripoll and William Mebarak Chadid. Her father’s previous marriage left her with several half-siblings.

She was drawn to the arts since childhood and began writing poetry at the age of four. She also enjoyed dancing.

Also, she sang and danced to delight her instructors and classmates, earning her the moniker “belly dancer girl.”

She became well-known in her community and was frequently invited to play at various gatherings.

Monica Ariza, a local theatre producer, asked Ciro Vargas, a ‘Sony Colombia’ executive, to hold an audition for the adolescent. ‘Sony Colombia’ signed her to record three albums after being impressed by her performance.

Career

Her first album, ‘Magia,’ was published in 1991. It comprised songs she’d written since she was eight years old. The album was not a commercial success.

‘Peligro,’ her second album, was published in 1993. Despite performing better than its predecessor, this album was considered a failure. She took a pause after releasing this album to attend academics and graduate from high school.

Her third album, ‘Pies Descalzos,’ was released in 1996, and marked her return to the music industry. The album yielded six hit singles and got positive critical acclaim. To promote her album, she embarked on a tour named ‘Tour Pies Descalzos.’

‘Donde Estan los Ladrones?’ was her next album, published in 1998. It featured Latin Pop songs with rock en Espanol characteristics. The record went on to become one of the best-selling Spanish language albums in the United States. It has sold over seven million copies worldwide.

In 2001, she debuted in the English language market with the album ‘Laundry Service.’ The album’s debut track, ‘Whenever, Wherever,’ topped the ‘US Billboard Hot Latin Songs’ chart.

In June 2005, her Spanish album ‘Fijacion Oral, Vol. 1’ was released. It was followed in November by the publication of the English album ‘Oral Fixation, Vol. 2’. The latter’s hit ‘Hips Don’t Lie’ climbed at number one on the ‘US Billboard Hot 100’ and became her hallmark tune.

Her debut album, ‘She Wolf,’ was published in 2009. The album sounded surprisingly different from her earlier works, with elements of electropop, dancehall, and global genres. It was praised for its one-of-a-kindness.

She sang ‘Waka Waka (This Time for Africa)’ with the South African band ‘Freshlyground,’ the official song of the 2010 ‘FIFA World Cup.’ The song was a huge success.

Following the success of her single “Waka Waka,” she launched her album “Sale el Sol” in 2010. The CD was highly acclaimed and a commercial success around the world.

World Cup 2022 kickoff times

Stage(s)	Local (Qatar)	USA & Canada (ET)	UK (GMT)	Australia (AEDT)	India (IST)
Group stage only	1 p.m.	5 a.m.	10 a.m.	9 p.m.	3:30 p.m.
Group stage only	4 p.m.	8 a.m.	1 p.m.	12 a.m.	6:30 p.m.
Knockouts only	6 p.m.	10 a.m.	3 p.m.	2 a.m.	8:30 p.m.
Group stage only	7 p.m.	11 a.m.	4 p.m.	3 a.m.	9:30 p.m.
Group/Knockouts	10 p.m.	2 p.m.	7 p.m.	6 a.m.	12:30 a.m.