When A Culture of Excellence Becomes Toxic

Lessons from the India vs. Qatar Match (11th June 2024, Doha)

At The Intersection of Fair Play and Excellence in Modern Football:

In the world of sports, few moments capture the complexities of human behaviour and the principles of fair play as starkly as controversial incidents on the field. On June 11th, 2024, the World Cup Qualifier between India and Qatar in Doha became one such moment. I was on sideline as the Head of Performance Psychology, watching this incident unravel.

The Indian Men's Football Team, known for its underdog fighting spirit, found itself in the spotlight not just for their commendable performance but due to a highly contentious goal by Qatari player Youssef Ayman. This event not only challenged the boundaries of sportsmanship but also provoked a broader reflection on the ethical fabric of competitive sports.

The Controversial Incident

In the 73rd minute of the match, with India leading against the odds, a critical incident unfolded. Al Hussain, a promising young player from the Qatari team, retrieved the ball from outside the field before Youssef Ayman scored a goal while the Indian players had momentarily stopped, expecting a fair play stoppage. The referee, obscured from a clear view, awarded the goal despite the Indian team's protests. The scene was jarring—Ayman’s celebration starkly contrasted with the Indian players' frustration and the audience's disbelief.

This incident brought into sharp focus the tension between competitive success and the foundational principles of fair play that are meant to guide sport. Qatar, a nation that has rapidly ascended in the football world and recently hosted the World Cup, exemplifies a system that fosters talent and strives for excellence. However, moments like these force us to question: At what cost is this excellence achieved?

The Role of Sportsmanship in Elite Coaching

As a psychologist and coach, my perspective on this incident extends beyond the immediate outcomes on the scoreboard. The essence of sport is to cultivate not only physical prowess but also character and integrity. In coaching elite athletes, the integration of sportsmanship into the core of training is crucial. Here’s how I approach this balance:

1. Defining Success Beyond Victory

While winning is a significant aspect of competitive sports, it should not overshadow the importance of how the game is played. Success must be defined by adherence to ethical standards, respect for opponents, and the demonstration of fairness. Coaches should encourage athletes to internalise these values as part of their identity, making fair play an intrinsic goal, not just a rule to follow.

2. Cultivating Empathy and Perspective

Athletes, especially at elite levels, need to develop a sense of empathy and the ability to view situations from multiple perspectives. This includes understanding the emotional and psychological impacts of their actions on others. Integrating scenarios and discussions about fairness and empathy into training helps athletes appreciate the broader implications of their actions.

3. Promoting Accountability and Self-Reflection

Athletes must be taught to hold themselves accountable for their behaviour, both on and off the field. Reflecting on their actions and decisions, particularly in contentious moments, is a powerful tool for personal growth. Encouraging open dialogue about incidents like the one in the India vs. Qatar match can foster a culture where players actively engage in evaluating their adherence to sportsmanship.

4. Integrating Ethical Training into Physical Training

Ethical behaviour and fair play should be as much a part of an athlete’s training regimen as physical and tactical drills. Incorporating discussions, role-playing, and real-life examples into regular training sessions can normalise these values and ensure they are considered under pressure.

5. Leadership and Role Modelling

Coaches, team leaders, and veteran players have a responsibility to model sportsmanship. Their behaviour sets the tone for the team’s culture. By consistently demonstrating fair play and ethical decision-making, they reinforce the importance of these values to younger players.

Reflecting on the System

The controversy in the India vs. Qatar match serves as a microcosm of broader systemic issues within sports. It raises important questions about the environments in which athletes are developed. A system that prioritises winning above all else risks cultivating a culture where unethical behaviour is normalised or even rewarded. As we push for excellence, it is imperative to ask ourselves: What kind of players are we nurturing?

Sports are often hailed as the ultimate meritocracy, where hard work and talent are the primary determinants of success. However, this meritocracy must be balanced with a strong ethical foundation. Leaders in sports must strive to create systems that celebrate not just the best players, but the best humans.

The true test of an athlete’s greatness lies not only in their ability to win but in their commitment to fairness, respect, and integrity. The incident during the India vs. Qatar match underscores the ongoing need for a balanced approach in sports training—one that marries the pursuit of excellence with the unwavering commitment to sportsmanship. As coaches, psychologists, and sports enthusiasts, it is our duty to ensure that the lessons of the field extend beyond the game, shaping individuals who embody the highest ideals of humanity.

In the end, sport should be more than a competition; it should be a platform that teaches us to become better individuals, to honour our opponents, and to play not just to win, but to uphold the spirit of the game.

Shayamal Vallabhjee

Further Reading and Resources

- [FIFA Fair Play Code](https://www.fifa.com/who-we-are/news/the-fifa-fair-play-code-2890224)

- [Ethics in Coaching: Balancing Competition and Fairness](https://www.nsca.com/education/articles/coaching/ethics-in-coaching/)

- [The Role of Empathy in Sports Leadership](https://thesportjournal.org/article/the-role-of-empathy-in-sports-leadership/)