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Ahead of the much-awaited 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, the world footballing body has pleaded with the participating teams, urging them to keep their political and ideological differences aside and concentrate on football instead. The issue was addressed in a letter written by FIFA president Gianni Infantino and secretary general Fatma Samour after the teams protested on different on issues ranging from LGBTQI+ rights to the treatment of migrant workers.
"Please, let's now focus on the football!" Infantino and Samoura were quoted as saying by Sky News. "We know football does not live in a vacuum and we are equally aware that there are many challenges and difficulties of a political nature all around the world. But please do not allow football to be dragged into every ideological or political battle that exists."
The middle eastern country has very strict views on same-sex relationships while their record on human rights is shoddy at best. This issue was raised by the Australian team, who spoke out against Qatar's record. Even the Denmark players will travel to Qatar without their families as a protest against the country's human rights record.
Meanwhile, the organisers of the 2022 tournament said that everyone, no matter their sexual orientation or background, is welcome, but warned against public display of affection.
While Qatar acknowledged there are 'gaps' in its labour system but the World Cup has allowed the country to make progress on worker rights. "At FIFA, we try to respect all opinions and beliefs, without handing out moral lessons to the rest of the world," FIFA said in the letter. "One of the great strengths of the world is indeed its very diversity, and if inclusion means anything, it means having respect for that diversity. No one people or culture or nation is 'better' than any other.
"This principle is the very foundation stone of mutual respect and non-discrimination. And this is also one of the core values of football. So, please let us all remember that and let football take centre stage."
