WORLD CUP countries have been told by FIFA to concentrate on football and not focus on human rights issues.
The world’s governing body has sent a letter to all the nations competing at the World Cup — including England and Wales — to stress that everyone will be welcome in Qatar.
FIFA bosses, led by chairman Gianni Infantino and general secretary Fatma Samoura, are hoping severe criticism of the tiny nation will stop ahead of the opening match between Qatar and Ecuador on November 20.
There have been claims that 6500 migrant workers from India, Pakistan, Nepal, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka have died in Qatar since it won the right to host the World Cup in 2010.
Qatar has also been repeatedly slammed over its anti-LGBTQ laws, with same-sex sexual activity punishable by up to seven years in prison.
There is a strong argument that the criticism of Qatar is deserved and should be expected throughout the tournament as this will be a good window of opportunity to discuss the issues.
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But Fifa are aware of the steady increase in negative stories in the build-up so have decided to act with the letter from Infantino and Samoura.
It will say that Fifa is not a political organisation and is not here to moralise and judge.
But it includes the line: “Everyone is welcome regardless of origin, background, religion, gender, sexual orientation, or nationality.”
Infantino, 52, took over as president in 2016, six years after Qatar were controversially handed the World Cup ahead of both the United States and Australia.
England’s Harry Kane and Wales’ Gareth Bale will join six other European captains in wearing a OneLove armband at the World Cup.
The armband — supporting a season-long campaign for inclusion and against discrimination — has yet to be approved by FIFA.
But the FA, along with other countries, will allow Kane to wear the armband even if they are fined by Fifa for doing so.
The English FA have been criticised for not being vocal enough over the issues in Qatar.
The Australian national team won plaudits after speaking collectively over human rights in Qatar.
Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp claims it is not fair that the current players should be expected to speak out over Qatar, stressing the decision to award the nation the World Cup was made over 10 years ago.
