World Cup organizers in Qatar respond to Australian players criticism, saying no country is perfect | SoccerAustralia

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Qatari organizers of the 2022 World Cup have responded to the Socceroos criticism of the countrys human rights record, praising the group of players for raising awareness of issues ahead of the tournament while admitting that no country is perfect.

Sixteen Australian players raised their concerns about the suffering of migrant workers and the inability of LGBTQ+ people in Qatar to love the person that they choose in a collective video released on Thursday.

They acknowledged that some progress has taken place in Qatar before next months kick-off, but that implementation of reform in the country remains inconsistent and requires improvement.

The Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy the tournaments organizers responded to the players statement and the issue of workers rights.

Socceroos urge football to leave a legacy ‘they can truly be proud of’ in Qatar video

We commend footballers using their platforms to raise awareness for important matters, the committee said.

We have committed every effort to ensuring that this World Cup has had a transformative impact on improving lives, especially for those involved in constructing the competition and non-competition venues were responsible for.

Protecting the health, safety, security, and dignity of every worker contributing to this World Cup is our priority.

Qatars human rights record has been under increased scrutiny as the kick-off for the showpiece event approaches, with several acts of protests planned once the football gets under way on 20 November.

The Socceroos Group D opponents, Denmark, have produced an all-black playing shirt to honor the workers who died during the construction of stadiums and infrastructure, while players from nine teams will wear One Love armbands.

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The organizers did not directly address the issue of same-sex relationships raised by the Socceroos players in the video which remains illegal in Qatar but said: This World Cup has contributed to a legacy of progress, better practice, and improving lives and its a legacy that will live long after the final ball is kicked.

They said any change in workplace culture might not be seen immediately, and implementation of new laws was a challenge not unique to Qatar.

New laws and reforms often take time to bed in, and robust implementation of labor laws is a global challenge, including in Australia, added the spokesperson.

No country is perfect, and every country hosts major events or not has its challenges.

The Socceroos begin their Group D campaign against France on 23 November, before playing Tunisia three days later and Denmark on 1 December.

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