FIFA ‘wrong to give Qatar Cup’
FOOTBALL’S governing body made a “mistake” in awarding the World Cup to Qatar.
That is the view of Northumberland Labour councillor Rebecca Wilczeck, the party’s shadow cabinet member for healthy lives.
Coun Wilczeck’s comments follow considerable attention on Qatar’s human right’s record, the country’s stance on homosexuality and reports of the deaths of thousands of migrant workers working to build the infrastructure needed to support the tournament.
Coun Wilczeck, who represents the Bedlington East ward, said: “I am hearing people feel really conflicted about this great sporting event taking place in Qatar.
“It is hard to look forward to a tournament when thousands have perished in the construction of the facilities with no rights or compensation for bereaved families.
“We are hearing the carbon footprint, which was originally promised to be zero, is going to be far higher than previous World Cups.
“We also cannot ignore the country’s record on gay and lesbian rights where people’s sexuality is criminalised.
“I am sure as many of us cheer our team on this will be in the back of our minds.
“It is clear FIFA made a mistake in awarding the World Cup to Qatar. FIFA needs to learn from this situation and ensure in future the tournament goes to countries with decent human rights records.”
On Monday the FA went back on its previous pledge to allow captain Harry Kane to wear a “One Love” armband for England’s opener against Iran.
It had previously reported the striker could face disciplinary action if he did.
Other nations, including Wales, also backed down after FIFA made clear it would impose “sporting sanctions” if captains wore the armbands.
A joint statement from the FA and FAW said: “As national federations we cannot put our players in a position where they could face sporting sanctions including bookings.
“We cannot put our players in the situation where they might be booked or even forced to leave the field of play.”
The armbands are worn in support of LGBTQ+ communities across the world amid concerns for gay fans’ safety in Qatar, where homosexuality is still illegal.