England captain Leah Williamson says she doesn't support the men's World Cup being held in Qatar and can't enjoy the tournament.
Williamson, 25, is the only living English footballer to lift a major tournament trophy after leading the Lionesses to Euro 2022 glory last summer. But although she wished her men's counterparts well as they aim to 'bring football home' for the second time this year, the Arsenal defender believes issues surrounding host nation Qatar have completely overshadowed the football on the field.
The 2022 World Cup has been mired in controversy over the host country’s treatment of migrant workers and the safety of local and visiting members of the LGBTQ+ community in a country where same-sex relationships are criminalised. Ever since Qatar won the right to host the competition in December 2010, the decision has been heavily criticised, with even ex-FIFA president Sepp Blatter saying Qatar was a mistake and a bad choice.
Arsenal's Williamson is currently injured but is set to lead England to the women's tournament in Australia and New Zealand next summer. And the Lionesses captain told the Mirror that the issues surrounding Qatar completely ruin any potential enjoyment that she normally gets from watching international tournaments.
"I just feel like it’s obviously a really big shame, normally we would all be so excited about the World Cup," said Williamson. "Normally I’d be really excited for any major tournament. But I can’t be in support of the World Cup being where it is (Qatar) and the rules that have come about from it.
"If you look back at tournaments from down the years and how much you enjoy them, that is a big part of being a football fan. Spending time together with your friends, families and watching the games - the World Cup is the best for that.
"So it’s a shame that it is overshadowed by the issues off the field. We can’t just enjoy the football, which is what we all want to see.
"The fact it is in winter as well I think changes the dynamic a little bit as well. I can't enjoy it."
Williamson, was speaking as at the unveiling of artwork celebrating Helen Hardy, the founder of Manchester Laces football club. Hardy's grassroots club was the first in Manchester, designed specifically to give women and non-binary people a safe space to play football.
Unveiled at Wembley Stadium, the artwork was made possible through funding from the National Lottery, aiming to encourage others to get involved in coaching women’s sport.
"I think this tribute to Helen is completely fitting," added Williamson. "We almost take for granted that somebody like Helen is so incredible, giving up her own time to create this safe space for women and non-binary players to enjoy their football.
"It is something the game needs to celebrate. So to make Helen an icon at Wembley, the home of football, is something that is well deserved. This is somebody from our game who needs to be celebrated."
Leah Williamson has teamed up with The National Lottery to honour the work of amazing individuals championing diversity and inclusion in sport like Helen Hardy, founder of Manchester Laces. The campaign shines a light on how the £30m raised a week by National Lottery players goes towards good causes across the UK.
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