South American chiefs back FIFA’s plea to not use the World Cup to protest against Qatar

The row over FIFA’s controversial letter to all World Cup nations escalated after South American football chiefs backed teams not to use the tournament as a stage to protest host Qatar.

MailOnline first announced on Thursday that FIFA President Gianni Infantino and General Secretary Fatma Samoura have signed a letter sent to all 32 participating countries asking everyone involved to continue talking about football once the tournament kicks off amid the massive backdrop of bad feeling towards the host of the match

The build-up, which begins on November 20, has been overshadowed by a range of social issues surrounding the human rights situation in Qatar.

Thousands of migrant workers are said to have died building the infrastructure for the tournament, while homosexuality is banned in Qatar.

England reacted in frustration to news of the letter over the weekend and released a combined statement along with other nine other UEFA nations, including the Netherlands, Germany and Wales, pledging to “continue to support the momentum for positive and progressive change”.

But on Monday, CONMEBOL, the governing body for South American football, threw their weight behind FIFA’s letter.

CONMEBOL, the governing body for South American football, has backed a controversial letter from FIFA about the upcoming World Cup in Qatar

FIFA has written a letter asking the football world to focus on the game during the World Cup rather than off the pitch, which has led to criticism of President Giovanni Infantino

A statement read: “CONMEBOL and its 10 member associations join the call for unity in world football in support of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022. A country eager to show its hospitality and warmth, beautiful sports venues and 32 prepared teams with their greatest potential.

“Like a few times in history, human society now needs the powerful message of sport in general and football, the most popular of which in particular.

“This message is powerful because it is universal, it goes far beyond political or ideological disputes, temporary differences and occasional confrontations. It is a message full of optimism, tolerance, inclusion, diversity, unity.

England reacted with frustration to the news of the letter along with other European countries

CONMEBOL (President Alejandro Dominguez pictured) released a statement saying it’s “time to put controversy behind you” and “enjoy a truly universal celebration that the planet is eagerly awaiting”

“The time has come to leave controversies behind and appreciate and enjoy a truly universal celebration, which the whole planet eagerly awaits.”

The Asian Football Confederation released a similar statement on Sunday in support of FIFA’s stance.

Football nations around the world are under tremendous pressure to use the tournament to draw attention to the issues that have shrouded the build-up to the World Cup.

The tournament has been awash with controversy over human rights issues in Qatar