Gary Lineker delivered a stern and hard-hitting opening speech which shone a light on the controversies surrounding Qatar as the BBC began its World Cup broadcasting in earnest.
Lineker is in Qatar presenting the BBC's coverage of the World Cup and, one hour before the first game between host nation Qatar and Ecuador, he produced a sombre opening salvo.
"Ever since FIFA chose Qatar to host the World Cup in 2010, the smallest nation to have hosted football's greatest competition has faced some big questions," Lineker began.
GRAB YOUR COPY: Get your brilliant 48-page Wales at the World Cup preview special
"From accusations of corruption in the bidding process to the treatment of migrant workers who built the stadiums, where many lost their lives.
"Homosexuality is illegal here. Women's rights and freedom of expression are in the spotlight. Also the decision six years ago to switch the World Cup from summer to winter.
"Against that backdrop there is a tournament to be played, one that will be watched and enjoyed around the world.
"Stick to football, say FIFA, well we will, for a couple of minutes, at least."
Ahead of the tournament, Lineker vowed to highlight the issues surrounding the host nation, despite senior figures before the tournament urging people to simply "focus on the football".
Before the World Cup began, Lineker told the BBC : "There are significant issues around this World Cup, obviously with human rights issues, what has happened with the building of the stadiums and workers' rights and homophobia and various things they have here.
"I am accustomed to it as I've spent most of my life in the build-up to World Cups talking about issues other than football, but when the football starts you tend to stop talking about it. But that is how sportswashing works so you have to be careful.
"I think it's important to talk about the various issues going on, as well as the football."
Send your message of support to the Wales football team at the World Cup here
He added: "It's a delicate balance between sportswashing and trying to make change. We will raise the issues at hand but will it really make a difference?
"We don't and the footballers don't get asked where the World Cup is. Footballers can never win, if you speak up and make a stand, people say stick to football.
"If you don't say anything, they say why aren't you speaking up? And we don't necessarily get this in other sports.
"Most of the people who were involved in the decision to bring the World Cup here are in jail or expelled from FIFA or fined or banned so we all know. We are stuck with it but I guess we will try and make the most of it."
READ NEXT:
