Australia’s Socceroos Protest World Cup Host Qatar鈥檚 LGBT And Human Rights Record
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Australia’s national men’s football team, the Socceroos, have become the first team at the FIFA World Cup to release a collective statement of protest against Qatar鈥檚 appalling human rights record.聽
In a video message, Socceroos players called for 鈥渆ffective remedy鈥� for migrant workers and the decriminalisation of same-sex relationships.聽
The video, released on behalf of Professional Footballers Australia (PFA), showed the players delivering a line-by-line message which demanded the establishment of a Migrant Resource Centre to give thousands of migrant workers in Qatar access to legal services and provisions.聽
‘Universal Values That Define Football’
The sixteen Australian players in the video consist of: 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, Kye Rowles and Alex Wilkinson.
“There are universal values that should define football 鈥� values such as respect, dignity, trust and courage. When we represent our nation, we aspire to embody these values,” Captain Mat Ryan said.聽
The players emphasised their position of support with F茅d茅ration Internationale des Associations de Footballeurs Professionnels (FIFPro), the Building and Wood Workers International, and the International Trade Union Confederation in the move to 鈥渆mbed reforms and establish a lasting legacy in Qatar.鈥澛�
鈥淭his 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.鈥澛�
‘6,500 Migrant Workers Have Lost Their Lives In Qatar’
According to a report by , an estimated 6500 workers across India, Pakistan, Nepal, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka have died in Qatar since the country was awarded the right to host the World Cup in 2010. The tournament organisers have stated that during the construction of the stadiums in the Doha region.聽
Football Australia also released a statement urging for Qatar to change their views on homosexuality, asserting the importance of ensuring people were able to feel safe and be their 鈥渢rue authentic selves鈥� as the most 鈥渕ulticultural, diverse and inclusive sport鈥� in the country.聽
“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.”
Homophobic Laws In Qatar
The Socceroos players acknowledged the homophobic environment in Qatar where people 鈥渁re not free to love the person they choose.鈥澛�
“These are basic rights that should be afforded to all and will ensure continued progress in Qatar. This is how we can ensure a legacy that goes well beyond the final whistle of the 2022 FIFA World Cup.”
The Socceroos public statement follows Denmark鈥檚 national team who have decided to play at the World Cup donning a 鈥減rotest kit鈥�. England captain Harry Kane will also be wearing a rainbow armband during the tournament.聽
