Qatari officials have hit back at criticism following the Australian football team’s slamming of their human rights record.
Players of the side called out the World Cup host nation in a video posted to social media.
The footage went viral, with the Socceroos making headlines by being the first team to speak out ahead of the competition next month.
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Australia criticised the Gulf state’s treatment of migrant workers and the LGBTQIA+ community. But now the Qatari committee has issued a response to the video, saying that ‘safety’ was a ‘priority’.
“We have committed every effort to ensuring that this World Cup has had a transformative impact on improving lives,” a spokesman said.
“Protecting the health, safety, security, and dignity of every worker contributing to this World Cup is our priority. New laws and reforms often take time to bed in, and robust implementation of labour laws is a global challenge, including in Australia.
(Image: Getty Images)
“No country is perfect, and every country – hosts of major events or not – 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.”
The Socceroos’ initial video had blasted the state. One player said: “Addressing these issues is not easy. And we do not have all the answers. We stand with FIFPro, the Building and Wood Workers International, and the International Trade Union Confederation, seeking to embed reforms and establish a lasting legacy in Qatar.
The Socceroos’ initial video had blasted the state. One player said: “Addressing these issues is not easy. And we do not have all the answers. We stand with FIFPro, the Building and Wood Workers International, and the 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 the decriminalisation of all same-sex relationships.
Football Australia released a statement which read: “In the lead up to the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022TM, Football Australia and the PFA, engaged and undertook extensive consultation with stakeholders including FIFA, FIFPRO (the international body representing players), International Labour Organisation, Amnesty International, Builders and Woodworkers International, the International Trade Union Confederation and the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy about the situation in Qatar.”
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