The Australian football team on Thursday criticised Qatar for its human rights record, but the World Cup organisers insisted that “no country is perfect” in response.
Organisers of the Qatar World Cup respond to criticism of Australia’s rights
A World Cup official said enforcing “strong” labour regulations had also been a “challenge” for Australia in response to the Australian request for better treatment of migrant workers and the LGBTQ community.
The Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy of the organisers stated, “We have committed to make every effort to guarantee that this World Cup has had a revolutionary influence on changing lives.”
Keeping everyone involved in the World Cup in excellent health, safety, security, and dignity is our primary priority.
On Thursday, sixteen players from Australia’s men’s football squad participated in a brief video to explain their roles.
The modifications had been “inconsistent,” they claimed, while acknowledging Qatar’s efforts to better the working conditions for migrant employees.
In a video with 16 other players, midfielder Jackson Irvine stated, “We have learnt that the choice to have the World Cup in Qatar has led in the pain and injury of many of our fellow employees.”
The Qatari committee emphasised changes made over the previous five years to labour laws and building site safety.
FIFA and international unions have complimented them, although they have always asked for more advancement.
Strong labour law enforcement is a challenge everywhere, including Australia, according to the statement, which also noted that “new laws and reforms can take time to bed in.” Every country has issues since no country is flawless, whether or not it hosts notable events. The governing body of Football Australia urged for the energy-rich Gulf state to be more accepting of same-sex partnerships. Homosexuality is against the law in Qatar.
LGBTQ rights were not mentioned by the Qatari committee, but a spokeswoman said: “This World Cup has contributed to a legacy of development, better practise, and improved lives—and it’s a legacy that will continue long after the last ball is played.” As part of a World Cup anti-discrimination effort, captains from many top European footballing teams, including England, France, and Germany, will wear armbands with rainbow colours and the phrase “One Love.”