The Qatari government is tapping into its military services — as well as civilians and diplomats from around the globe — to beef up security at the 2022 FIFA Men’s World Cup.

The tournament’s opening match takes place at Doha’s Lusail Stadium on Nov. 20. The final is scheduled for Dec. 18.

The host nation is requiring that “hundreds of civilians” work checkpoints at stadiums during the tournament, according to Reuters, including diplomats recalled to the country.

A source told Reuters the government told civilians it was their “patriotic duty” to participate. 

• There are some volunteers, but many are seemingly being forced against their will to work.
• Qatar is anticipating 1.2 million fans, who will be searched for weapons and banned substances like alcohol. 
• Turkey will also provide 3,000 riot police for stadiums and hotels.

The move is just the latest controversial labor-related decision as Qatar gears up to host the World Cup. 

The nation has come under fire by multiple human rights groups for improper compensation of construction workers — many of whom were put in dangerous situations.

Added Trouble

Qatar’s journey toward the November competition has been a rocky one.

Lusail Stadium, the $767 million crown jewel for the event, had a less-than-stellar debut when it hosted its first match earlier this month. 

A lack of water accessibility and bathrooms, long transportation lines, and poor air conditioning were some of the issues noted by the 77,000 fans in attendance.

DAZN’s latest acquisition pushes it further into the European soccer market.

The sports streaming service is buying streaming and media company Eleven, which will add the top soccer leagues in Belgium and Portugal to its offerings.

The move is expected to add $300 million in annual revenue to DAZN’s balance sheet.

• DAZN will integrate the 40,000 games streamed on Eleven each year.
• Eleven provides support for production and distribution on FIFA+, the global soccer governing body’s streaming service for the live games of more than 90 FIFA member associations.
• The companies claim that the deal gives DAZN the world’s largest portfolio of women’s soccer content.

Eleven also has a presence in Poland, Taiwan, and certain Southeast Asian countries. 

DAZN is also acquiring sports content company Team Whistle in the deal — the latter boasts over 700 million followers across all its channels.

IPO on Hold

DAZN is putting off a planned IPO to grow its reach and revenue, especially in Europe and North America. The company has signaled a pivot toward betting, bringing in former Entain CEO Shay Segev as CEO in January. 

DAZN launched its DAZN Bet sportsbook in August in the U.K., with Canada and other European and Asian markets on the horizon.

The company is not yet profitable but anticipates “significant strides” in that direction in the next 18 months.

D.C. United might hold Major League Soccer’s worst record this season, but it’s reportedly on the verge of securing a landmark investment.

The club is close to landing an $800 million valuation through a minority stake sale to several new investors, according to a report, which is thought to be an MLS record for a club selling a minority stake. The highest-valued MLS team is Los Angeles FC at a reported $860 million.

• D.C. United’s valuation includes $150 million in debt.
• The investment covers up to 5% of the team.
• The investors’ identities participating in the round is reportedly unknown.

Last year, D.C. United inked a $710 million valuation following an investment from New Orleans Saints running back Mark Ingram II. 

A few months later, the club announced another round from investors including rapper Yo Gotti and Swansea City AFC owner Jake Silverstein, who also recently purchased a stake in the Brisbane Bullets.

D.C. United Holdings paid Anschutz Entertainment Group $33 million for the team in 2007.

Soccer Sportsbook

The investment comes just months after FanDuel’s retail sportsbook at D.C. United’s Audi Field began taking wagers — the first of its kind at an MLS stadium. The venue, also home to the NWSL’s Washington Spirit, does not offer mobile betting.