SFA defend decision to play Qatar as criticism mounts

THE SFA last night defended the decision to play Qatar in a friendly at Easter Road on Friday evening in the face of increasing criticism. The Gulf state will provide the opposition for Gordon Strachan’s side in the run-up to the crucial Euro 2016 qualifier against the Republic of Ireland in Dublin eight days later. However, Qatar’s dubious humanrights record, as well as serious questions about the legitimacy of the vote that will see them host the 2022 World Cup, has led to widespread condemnation of the SFA for choosing the fixture. This reached new levels yesterday when, amid claims that 1,400 workers have already died in the construction of infrastructure for the World Cup, Labour MSP Neil Findlay tabled a motion in

Holyrood asking the SFA to reconsider and scrap the game. Attempting to isolate the fixture from the human-rights issue, however, the SFA released a statement laying out the background to their decision to face Qatar. It read: ‘The Scottish FA wishes to clarify its position in respect of the forth coming international match against Qatar and the separate concern of the human-rights issues experienced by migrant workers in Qatar. ‘As noted by Amnesty International, it is important that universal reach of football can be used in a positive manner to highlight inequalities. ‘It is with this in mind that we welcome Qatar to Easter Road as part of their tour of the United Kingdom. ‘It is important to separate this sporting fixture from the serious human-rights issues emanating from Qatar: The game was agreed with the national coach’s wish for a competitive fixture as part of preparations for the forthcoming European Qualifier against Republic of Ireland as of paramount importance. ‘We are grateful to the Qatar FA for their flexibility during their UK tour and to Qatar Airways for sponsoring the match. ‘Nonetheless, we are also cognisant of disturbing reports on the conditions experienced by migrant workers involved in the building of stadia for the FIFA World Cup in 2022. ‘The Scottish FA condemns any behaviour that compromises human rights and, in conjunction with the Scottish Government, we have already stated our joint offer to provide practical support. The Scottish FA has also demonstrated its commitment to humanitarian aid by helping to raise £1.5million for UNICEF’s Ebola Appeal during the recent Scotland v England match. ‘We have been in contact with Amnesty International to outline our position and to ensure positive and productive dialogue in the lead-up to the Qatar match and beyond.’ While there has been no official supporters’ boycott of the match, it is anticipated that a significant number of Scotland fans won’t attend. West of Scotland Tartan Army spokesperson Hamish Husband said: ‘The boycott is happening because of human rights and the slave-labour type treatment of many of the workers building these stadia.’ Findlay, MSP for Lothian, also turned up the heat on the SFA by tabling a parliamentary motion at Holyrood demanding they reconsider their choice of opponent. It read: ‘The Parliament notes with grave concern what it considers the appalling treatment of construction workers working on World Cup venues in Qatar. ‘According to the campaign led by the International Trade Union Confederation, Play Fair Qatar and the NewFifaNow, an estimated 62 workers will have died for every game of the 2022 tournament. ‘In light of this, and the failure of the football authorities to take action, we call on the SFA to send the strongest possible message to the Qatari authorities that Scotland finds the current plight of construction workers unacceptable and to cancel the friendly between Scotland and Qatar.’