Featured Image Credit: YouTube/Socceroos/Alamy
Topics: Australia, Football, Qatar, Football World Cup
Max Sherry
Topics: Australia, Football, Qatar, Football World Cup
Qatari officials have hit back at criticism the Australian football team after the players called out the World Cup host nation's human rights record.
The Socceroos made headlines around the globe when the became the first World Cup nation to criticise and take a stand against the Gulf state, taking particular exception to its treatment of migrant workers and the LGBTQIA+ community.
According to The Guardian, at least 6,500 migrant workers have died while working on the infrastructure and stadiums for the tournament.
On top of that, allegations of bribery during the bid as well as the treatment of women and the LGBTQIA+ community means this tournament has been shrouded in controversy from the very first whistle.
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These were all things appropriately raised by the Australian players in a video posted online and now the Qatari committee has issued a response of its own.
“We have committed every effort to ensuring that this World Cup has had a transformative impact on improving lives,” a spokesman said.
“Protecting the health, safety, security, and dignity of every worker contributing to this World Cup is our priority.”
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The spokesperson added: “New laws and reforms often take time to bed in, and robust implementation of labour laws is a global challenge, including in Australia.
“No country is perfect, and every country - hosts of major events or not - has its challenges.
“This World Cup has contributed to a legacy of progress, better practice, and improving lives -- and it’s a legacy that will live long after the final ball is kicked.”
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The clip of the Aussie players standing in unity and recognising the wrongdoing of the World Cup host nation has gone viral online with plenty of people heaping praise on the team.
“Addressing these issues is not easy. And we do not have all the answers,” the Australian players said in the video.
“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.
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“These are the basic rights that should be afforded to all and will ensure continued progress in Qatar… a legacy that goes well beyond the final whistle of the 2022 FIFA World Cup.”