Frans Duijts does not have to count on an invitation from the NOS during the upcoming World Cup in Qatar. He was allowed to show up during the European Football Championship last year. “But we don’t do that anymore.”
The World Cup in Qatar is controversial because of the human rights violations in the emirate. For that reason, the NOS will also make relatively sober broadcasts, although there will be a distracting talk show with Sjoerd van Ramshorst at the helm: Studio WK 22. In this, guests sit at the table with the audience behind it.
black edge
Sjoerd finds it difficult how to set up that program. “Of course there has to be atmosphere in that program, that’s part of it,” he tells NU.nl. “Although that is always a difficult decision. There is a black border around this World Cup, but you can’t sit down for 28 days.”
In any case, he plans to also highlight the black side of Qatar. “It is more than ever our task at this tournament to also highlight the other side, with guests who can tell you about it. And reports from Qatar. We have to find a balance somewhere.”
No Frans Duijts
One thing is for sure: we won’t see Frans Duijts pass by anymore. “It remains a matter of feeling what is and is not appropriate. Not everything is possible. During last year’s European Championship we had Frans Duijts, who started singing after Germany-France. I thought it was hilarious. We are now more careful with things like that.”
He immediately corrects himself: “Or no, we’re not going to do that. We’re not going to run a polonaise. But it will remain a World Cup, with Orange finally back after eight years. There may be cheering. That is certainly not prohibited.”
