Australia has become the first World Cup team to publicly hit out at Qatar’s human rights record.
Their stark video message came 24 days before the opening game of the tournament. It criticises the host nation’s treatment of migrant workers and LGBTQ+ people.
And it warned the “suffering” felt by workers and their families caused by the tournament “cannot be ignored”. The video calls for “effective remedy” for migrant workers and the decriminalisation of same-sex relationships.
Captain Mat Ryan, Sunderland defender Bailey Wright, Hearts’ Kye Rowles and Alex Wilkinson, the president of their players’ union, all take part.
“Addressing these issues is not easy, and we do not have all the answers,” they state. “We stand with FIFPro, Building and Wood Workers International, and 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 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.”
They recognise Qatari employers can no longer take away workers’ passports, preventing them from leaving the country. But they say the reform has not gone far enough. The statement from Football Australia also references Qatar’s laws on LGBTQ+ relationships.
Homosexuality can be punishable by death in the gulf state. UK foreign secretary James Cleverly was criticised by Gary Lineker this week after he said that gay fans attending the tournament should show “flex and compromise”.
In a move to distance the Government from his remarks, Tory Party chairman Nadhim Zahawi said that the tournament should be a “celebration of diversity”. "I would say you should not compromise on your identity or your sexuality or your sexual preference in any way,” he told LBC radio.
“Of course you are safe to go to the World Cup. No one should have to compromise at all in my view. We use every opportunity when we engage with the Qatari government to share with them how we do things here.
“They have had a different historical journey but football is a celebration of diversity. I am sure the Qataris completely understand this as well. No one should need to compromise on their sexuality whatsoever.”
Adelaide United's Josh Cavallo is the only male top-flight footballer to be out as gay, and has a cap for Australia Under-20s. Their statement goes on: “As the most multicultural, diverse, and inclusive sport in our country, we believe everyone should be able to feel safe and be their true authentic selves.
“Whilst we acknowledge the highest levels of assurances given by HH Amir of Qatar and the President of Fifa that LGBTI+ fans will be welcomed in Qatar, we hope that this openness can continue beyond the tournament.”
The decision to award the tournament to Qatar was heavily criticised in 2010. Human rights groups complained about the treatment of foreign labourers in Qatar, and the number who have died there. In Feb 2021, it was reported that 6,500 migrant workers from India, Pakistan, Nepal, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka had died in Qatar after it won the World Cup bid.
The number is based on figures from the countries’ embassies in Qatar. The hosts said the total was misleading, because not all the deaths recorded were of people working on World Cup-related projects. The government claimed that from 2014 to 2020, there were 37 deaths among labourers at World Cup stadiums, three of which were work related.
Players from nine European countries, including England, will wear ‘One Love’ armbands to protest Qatar’s laws around same-sex relationships. In response to Australia’s statement, Qatar’s Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy commended footballers ‘raising awareness’ of important matters.
But a spokesman said: “Our labour reforms are acknowledged by the ILO ITUC, and numerous human rights organisations as the benchmark in the region.
“New laws and reforms often take time to bed in, and robust implementation of labour laws is a global challenge, including in Australia. No country is perfect, and every country has its challenges. This World Cup has contributed to a legacy of progress, better practice, and improving lives - and it’s a legacy that will live long after the final ball is kicked.’’
