The Soccer World Cup is undoubtedly one of the most relevant events worldwide. It is held every 4 years, offering 64 games in a period of 31 days, which will literally stop the lives of millions of fans around the world, willing to leave everything to see the 32 squads represent their countries.
This edition will take place in Qatar, chosen as the venue in 2010, thanks to the vote of 22 FIFA members. The process of presenting a candidacy, lobbying it, being selected and successfully carrying out the event, is extremely expensive and complex. Qatar’s proposal managed to beat that of Japan, South Korea and Australia, and at the time it was involved in questions and controversies that questioned the neatness of the process.
It would seem that it would be attractive and interesting for everyone to attend the World Cup, however, there are some actors who have decided to say no. Sounds amazing, don’t you think?
The first is Carlos Vela, a Mexican soccer player who, despite being in full condition, has decided to decline his participation with the National Team. Beyond his totally respectable reasons, he calls attention to his refusal to face what for many others would mean the most relevant goal to achieve in his career, an enormous honor and privilege, and for others practically a obligation. A position that seems to move away from the guidelines of all known, to try at all costs and despite the sorrows, to conquer the highest peak.
The second is the great singer Rod Stewart, who, contrary to what many others would do, refused to attend the World Cup, an event that would have given him great exposure and with it, enormous profits. The artist narrated that he was summoned 15 months ago and that he was offered a significant economic sum for his appearance, being different policies of the government of the host country, the reason for his rejection.
Thus, contrary to what many of us might think, these two men have given us through their positions important lessons that are really useful, if we transfer them to experiences and situations that we personally experience. And you, would you have said no?