Aussies lodge protest
QATAR ON NOTICE
THE Socceroos, through 16 of their stars, have made the courageous move to become the first World Cup nation to use their collective voice to protest Qatar’s human rights record in a bold statement ahead of next month’s tournament.
Qatar’s successful bid to host the 2022 World Cup was a controversial one, not least of all because of the country’s controversial same-sex relationship laws and treatment of migrant workers, issues which have bubbled along uncomfortably alongside the promotion of the sport’s showpiece event.
This week, its ruler sheik Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani blasted the “unprecedented campaign” of criticism of the Arab nation – while Australian-born gay rights activist Peter Tatchell claimed to have been “arrested and interrogated” after staging a one-man protest of their “anti-gay” policies.
Homosexuality is illegal in Qatar and punishable by up to three years in prison.
Australia’s Group D rivals Denmark had committed to a protest via their World Cup jersey – which includes an allblack option to honour the workers who died during the construction of stadiums and infrastructure for the tournament – while players from nine countries will wear “One Love” armbands.
But no nation has made such a public stance as the Socceroos via the three-minute video released by the players association on Thursday.
“Addressing these issues is not easy,” the players said in the statement.
“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.”
The Qatar tournament has been plagued by reports into the deaths of migrant workers working in oppressive heat.
Significantly, Socceroos captain Mat Ryan is among the 16 players – which also includes likely Qatar-bound stars Kye Rowles, Jamie Maclaren, Jackson Irvine, Mitchell Duke and penaltyshootout hero Andrew Redmayne.
“The players recognise that their views may not be universally popular,” said Professional Footballers Association co-chief executives Kathryn Gill and Beau Busch in a separate statement.