Brilliant piece of writing James. You're right, so few people seem to really care about this hateful FIFA/World Cup issue.
I boycotted. Like you, I didn't let any media reports into my consciousness either. I even refused to let my inlaws talk about it (which was a feat and a stand to be proud of in itself).
My partner boycotted. That's bigger news. He's the real football fan in the house, I just kind of get involved by osmosis or something (by whatever magical witchcraft football soaks into ones brain, lol).
I was actually a liittle surprised that he did it, the whole embargo. Me, well that's just a done thing, but he's never vocal in support of ...anything really. Doesn't mean he hasn't got limits, and this travesty in Quatar apparently reached them.
Also, I do love Joe Lycett. The way you describe him, 'gentle', is perfect. He has such strong moral convictions, yet he is always so - yes, gentle. I really can't think of a better word!