“It’s Not A Good Look” Australian Football Team Condemns Human Rights Issue In Qatar Ahead Of World Cup

The first FIFA World Cup team to release a collective statement of objection, the Australian national men’s football side, pointed out Qatar’s human rights violations on Thursday. The players noted Qatar’s migrants workers’ poor living conditions and called for an “effective remedy” while also asking for the decriminalisation of same-sex relationships.

The decision to award Qatar the rights to host the 2022 World Cup has not been without controversy. The nation was awarded the right more than 12 years ago.

“Football Australia has a responsibility to equitably represent our fans, our players, and our football family. We are proud to be the most multicultural, diverse, and inclusive sport in Australia. Our representation at the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022TM gives us the opportunity to raise awareness of some important matters and help affect change globally and domestically. Football Australia, in collaboration with Professional Footballers Australia (PFA), representing the Australian Men’s National Team, the Socceroos, has been engaged in a process of education and dialogue to gather information on the situation regarding the advancement of human rights and workers’ welfare in connection with the hosting of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022,” Australian football team said in an official statement.

“We believe that by working closely with these stakeholders, we can help promote a legacy beyond the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022TM. With this in mind, Football Australia, together with the Socceroos and Professional Footballers Australia, support the establishment of a Migrant Workers Centre that will continue to represent the rights of the workers beyond December 2022. Football Australia has also been working closely with LGBTI+ communities to continue strengthening our inclusive and welcoming environment in our game throughout Australia. As the most multicultural, diverse, and inclusive sport in our country, we believe everyone should be able to feel safe and be their true authentic selves. Whilst we acknowledge the highest levels of assurances given by HH Amir of Qatar and the President of FIFA that LGBTI+ fans will be safely welcomed in Qatar, we hope that this openness can continue beyond the tournament,” it further read.

The Australian government recognizes that few significant changes have been made in Qatar. They had previously welcomed Qatar to the AFC, but they now regret the move, considering all of the reported injustices in Qatar including restrictions on expression, imprisonment and torture.

“Over the last two years, we have been on a journey to understand and know more about the situation in Qatar. We are not experts, but we have listened to groups such as Amnesty, Fifa” and “most importantly, the migrant workers of Qatar,” the players said in the video. (ANI)

source : ani