Qatar have issued a statement in response to Everton’s kit supplier hummel after they took a stand with their design of Denmark’s strip for the upcoming World Cup.
With controversy surrounding the tournament since Qatar were announced as hosts back in 2010, hummel took to social media to announce their reasons for the kit design. This is the third season the Blues have been with the sportswear brand, who have been a popular choice with supporters after producing strong designs for the club's strips.
"With the Danish national team’s new jerseys, we wanted to send a dual message,” hummel’s statement read on Wednesday, after announcing Denmark’s all-red home strip.
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“They are not only inspired by Euro 92, paying tribute to Denmark’s greatest football success, but also a protest against Qatar and its human rights record. That’s why we’ve toned down all the details for Denmark’s new World Cup jerseys, including our logo and iconic chevrons. We don’t wish to be visible during a tournament that has cost thousands of people their lives.
"We support the Danish national team all the way, but that isn’t the same as supporting Qatar as a host nation. We believe that sport should bring people together. And when it doesn’t, we want to make a statement."
Now Qatar has responded to hummel’s claims. “Since winning the right to host the FIFA World Cup, the SC has worked diligently alongside the Qatari government to ensure that the tournament delivers a lasting social legacy,” the statement from Qatar read.
“Our commitment to this legacy has contributed to significant reforms to the labour system enacting laws protecting the rights of workers and ensuring improved living conditions for them.
“Through our collaboration with the UEFA Working Group and various other platforms led by FIFA and other independent groups, we have engaged in robust and transparent dialogue with the DBU. This dialogue resulted in a better understanding of the progress made, the challenges faced, and the legacy we will deliver beyond 2022.
“For that reason, we dispute Hummel’s claim that this tournament has cost thousands of people their lives. Furthermore, we whole-heartedly reject the trivialising of our genuine commitment to protect the health and safety of the 30,000 workers who built the FIFA World Cup stadiums and other tournament projects.
“That same commitment now extends to 150,000 workers across various tournament services and 40,000 workers in the hospitality sector. The onus should always be on countries to do more to protect the rights of peoples all over the world, including Denmark.
“The SC’s work is recognised by numerous entities within the international human rights community as a model that has accelerated progress and improved lives.
“Qatar’s reforms are acknowledged by the ILO and ITUC as a benchmark in the region. Like every country, progress on these issues is a journey without a finish line, and Qatar is committed to that journey.
“We urge the DBU to accurately convey the outcome of the extensive communication and work with the SC, and to ensure that is accurately communicated to their partners at Hummel.”
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