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Qatar World Cup organizers have responded to the Socceroos video criticizing the Gulf state’s questionable human rights record and pointing out that “no country is perfect.”
Qatar hit back after 15 current Australian players released a combined statement highlighting the ongoing ‘suffering’ of imported workers – many of whom have reportedly died preparing for the tournament, mostly living in appalling conditions.
They were the first FIFA World Cup squad to formally voice their opinion on the divisive issue.
Qatar’s Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy responded with a statement saying that efforts are being made to improve conditions for foreign indentured workers, but progress is taking time.
“New laws and reforms often take time to take effect, and robust implementation of labor laws is a global challenge, including in Australia,” the statement said.
“No country is perfect, and every country – whether big events take place or not – has its challenges.”
Socceroos skipper Mat Ryan was one of 16 players to beat Qatar as a nation for the World Cup next month due to their shocking human rights record
The collective message of the Socceroos in the video was clear: the decision to grant the hosting rights for the World Cup to Qatar has “resulted in the suffering and harm of countless workers”, while also pointing out that homosexuality is currently illegal. is in the country.
“We stand behind FIFPro, the Building and Wood Workers International and the International Trade Union Confederation, who seek to anchor reforms and establish a lasting legacy in Qatar,” the video outlines.
Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Than has called ongoing criticism of Qatar ‘slander’ ahead of World Cup
“This should include the establishment of a migrant center, an effective remedy for those denied their rights and the decriminalization of all same-sex relations.
“These are the basic rights that should be granted to everyone and that will ensure continued progress in Qatar…[and] a legacy that goes far beyond the final whistle of the 2022 World Cup.”
In response, a spokesperson for the World Cup in Qatar said ‘we have done everything we can to ensure that this World Cup has a transformative impact on improving lives’.
“Protecting the health, safety, security and dignity of every employee who contributes to this World Cup is our priority.”
Media identity Piers Morgan was unimpressed with the Socceroos’ attitude and challenged them to go beyond just poses.
“Beautiful virtue-signalling words… suppose you’re going to boycott the tournament now?” the television broadcaster posted on Twitter.
“Or don’t you care so much?”
The powerful video message, delivered by 15 current Socceroos players, has the support of Football Australia, who have released their own statement on the matter (pictured, midfielder Jackson Irvine)
Migrant workers have faced oppressive conditions in Qatar in recent years and many have died building infrastructure for the tournament in recent years – although the exact number of fatalities is disputed.
According to the guardas many as 6,500 workers from India, Pakistan, Nepal, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka have died in Qatar since it hosted the World Cup in 2010.
Qatar’s tournament organizing committee is adamant that only three people died on the spot while building stadiums.
The Australian players involved in the video were: Captain Mat Ryan, Bailey Wright, Jamie Maclaren, Nick D’Agostino, Jackson Irvine, Craig Goodwin, Danny Vukovic, Andrew Redmayne, Mathew Leckie, Mitchell Duke, Mitch Langerak, Denis Genreau, Cameron Devlin, Adam Taggart and Kye Rowles.
Football Australia also weighed in on the matter, suggesting that the Gulf state change its stance on same-sex relationships.
Cult-held goalkeeper Andrew Redmayne also highlighted the ongoing ‘suffering’ of local workers ahead of Qatar sports tournament showpiece
Homosexuality is considered a criminal offense in Qatar.
Captains from a number of leading European countries – including England, France and Germany – are being advised to wear rainbow colored bracelets and the message ‘One Love’ during the World Cup, which starts in 23 days.