A new Netflix documentary looks set to unearth the dark secrets and generations of corruption at FIFA ahead of the controversial Qatar 2022 World Cup.
Releasing the explosive trailer for the footballing exposé on Tuesday, 25 October, Netflix‘s latest sports doc promises to reveal never before heard interviews with senior officials, new details surrounding disgraced President Sepp Blatter, decades of dirty politics and much, much more.
FIFA Uncovered is the story of how the world’s biggest sporting body gradually turned the beautiful game ugly.
For decades, FIFA united the globe through football. But behind the game, craftier schemes were at play. This documentary series traces the organisation's legacy, exploring the pageantry, power struggles and politics of hosting the World Cup.
The significance of the FIFA Uncovered release date just 11 days before the start of the 2022 Qatar World Cup will not be lost on football fans, nor the general public.
Among the years of scandal, bribery and all-around controversy surrounding the global football organisation, the Gulf nation being awarded the tournament despite their human rights record is considered one of the most egregious decisions to have ever been passed.
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Senior and respected footballing figures like Eric Cantona have been vocal against those backing the tournament and the Qatari state, labelling this year’s competition “horrible” and “not a real World Cup”
As for the Three Lions part in all this, despite calls from all corners to boycott the World Cup entirely, the UK government blocked the opposition and, even more staggeringly, urged LGBTQ+ fans to “be respectful” if they chose to travel.
It’s worth reminding at this point that as is common throughout the Middle East, same-sex relationships are illegal in Qatar and, in some cases, punishable by death.
Beyond those standing up for the migrant workers abused in building stadiums, the LGBTQ+ community is one the biggest trying to draw attention to Qatar’s human rights abuses.
FIFA Uncovered drops on Netflix worldwide on Wednesday, 9 November.
If you want to better understand the context behind the numerous protests and public demonstrations that will inevitably take place at this year’s World Cup, this informative and undoubtedly riveting FIFA documentary is one you don’t want to miss.
— Barefoot Spooky Bartender 👣💀🍹 (@barefoottiki) October 10, 2024
“Be assured there won’t be 14408mph winds, hurricane force winds or overnight temperatures of 404°C.
“It is being looked at and hopefully sorted asap.”
BBC Weather shared: “You may have noticed some data issues on our app and website. We are working hard to fix it quickly. Sorry – please bear with us.
“In the meantime here are Thursday’s weather headlines: -Colder, clearer air moving in -Rain and drizzle in south -Blustery showers near east coast”
And national treasure Carol Kirkwood said live on air: “We are having a technical glitch at the moment. It’s showing wind speeds far too fast, in fact, hurricane strength and that is not the case at all.
“Please don’t be alarmed. We are aware of it and on it.”
At the time of writing, the BBC Weather forecast service is still predicting hurricane force winds for the UK. Eek.
BBC issues statement after UK forecast shows ‘hurricane force winds’ up to 14,000mph
A Paddington Bear statue has been unveiled in the heart of darkest Manchester
Daisy Jackson
An adorable statue of Paddington Bear has been installed in Manchester, inviting passers-by to pull up a seat.
The little likeness to the much-loved animated character is complete with red hat, blue duffle coat and even his emergency marmalade sandwich.
The Paddington Bear statue has been installed as part of the Paddington Visits trail right across the UK and Ireland, celebrating the upcoming release of Paddington in Peru.
The third installment of the heart-warming film series is set for release on 8 November 2024.
The Paddington statue in Manchester has been constructed onto a bench with space beside him to sit with the loveable bear, and will be in situ for at least the next year.
He’s appeared in the middle of Spinningfields at Hardman Square.
Hugh Bonneville, who plays Mr. Brown in the Paddington films, said: “I am thrilled to reveal we are going to be unveiling a number of benches across the UK, all featuring a statue of our beloved bear.
“Ahead of the new film, fans, families and friends can sit down and have a chat with the marmalade loving bear, so watch this space for more information about Paddington…coming to a bench near you!”
In Paddington in Peru, Paddington will return home to the Peruvian jungle to visit his beloved Aunt Lucy, now a resident at the Home for Retired Bears.
With The Brown Family and Mrs Bird in tow, a thrilling adventure ensues when a mysterious disappearance plunges them into an unexpected journey from the Amazon rainforest to the mountain peaks of Peru.
Danny Jones -
26th October 2022 
