Australia become first FIFA World Cup country to speak out against Qatar's human rights record

The Socceroos have become the first FIFA World Cup team to put a statement in protest against Qatar’s human rights record.

As reported by Sydney Morning Herald, a collective statement by all 16 players was delivered line by line through a video message in which the country’s poor record on migrant workers and same-sex relationships was called out.

It represents the first and most prominent public demonstrations by any of the 32 countries to have qualified for the FIFA World Cup which kicks off on November 20.

A message from our @Socceroos on the @FIFAWorldCup #SupportingThePlayers pic.twitter.com/bUqW2pne1w

— Professional Footballers Australia (@thepfa) October 26, 2022

The decision to enlist Qatar as the host nation of the 2022 World Cup tournament has resulted in years of criticism toward both FIFA and the Middle Eastern state.

Migrant workers have faced oppressive conditions in the manufacturing of infrastructure and stadiums for the tournament, with The Guardian reporting at least 6,500 worker deaths as of February 2021.

Within the Professional Footballers Australia statement, they acknowledge that steps have been taken to improve such conditions, such as the implementation of minimum wage.

However, they maintain that such reforms have been ‘inconsistent and require improvement’.

The players highlight that ‘the decision to host the World Cup in Qatar has resulted in the suffering and the harm of countless’ migrant workers.

The statement also touches on the nation’s criminalisation of LGBTI+ people with the Socceroos maintaining their support for the community.

The player state: “Addressing these issues is not easy. And we do not have all the answers.

“We stand with FIFPro, the Building and Wood Workers International, and the International Trade Union Confederation, seeking to embed reforms and establish a lasting legacy in Qatar.

“This must include establishing a migrant resource centre, effective remedy for those who have been denied their rights, and the decriminalisation of all same-sex relationships.

“These are the basic rights that should be afforded to all and will ensure continued progress in Qatar ... [and] a legacy that goes well beyond the final whistle of the 2022 FIFA World Cup.”

Football Australia supported the player's message in their own statement in which they express their pride in Australian football being the ‘most multi-cultural, diverse, and inclusive sport’ in the country.

Football Australia’s purpose is to bring communities together through football and our participation at this year’s FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™ is no exception.https://t.co/tGyJDc12tC

— Football Australia (@FootballAUS) October 26, 2022

The statement reads: “In the lead up to the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022TM, Football Australia and the PFA, engaged and undertook extensive consultation with stakeholders including FIFA, FIFPRO (the international body representing players), International Labour Organisation, Amnesty International, Builders and Woodworkers International, the International Trade Union Confederation and the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy about the situation in Qatar.”

The FA acknowledges the progress made in Qatar, however, supports the PFA’s proposal of an established Migrant Workers Centre in the country.

The statement continues: “Football Australia has also been working closely with LGBTI+ communities to continue strengthening our inclusive and welcoming environment in our game throughout Australia.”

Adding: “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.”

Whilst Australia becomes the first nation to officially speak out against the abhorrent human rights record, other countries have planned protests throughout the month.

Denmark will wear single-colour jerseys to ensure any commercial activity or travel that promotes Qatar is minimised.

Meanwhile, nine European countries will wear ‘One Love’ armbands to protest the Middle Eastern country’s same-sex laws.