23 Days Towards The 2022 World Cup: Australian National Team Player Qatar Criticism Regarding Human Rights Records And LGBTQ Criminalization

Illustration of the World Cup (Instagram @go.qatar.2022)

JAKARTA The host of the 2022 World Cup, Qatar, continues to receive criticism from the contestants regarding their treatment of migrant workers and the LGBTQ community. The latest criticism was delivered by players from the Australian national team.

Australia also became the first participating team to release collective statements from their players in a video format to deliver the criticism. A total of 16 players, including former goalkeepers Arsenal and Brighton, Mat Ryan, are in the video.

"There are universal values that must define football.values such as respect, self-respect, trust, and courage. When we represent our country, we aspire to realize these values," Ryan said, quoted by Sky Sports, Friday.

Qatar has faced many accusations and criticisms since it was announced to host this four-year event in 2010. The country is considered unfriendly to migrant workers and homosexual, gay, transgender, and lesbian communities.

Australian national team players admit conditions in Qatar have improved for workers following the reshuffle of the kafala system. This system allows employers to take worker passports with the aim of preventing them from leaving the country.

However, the implementation of reform in the Gulf state is considered inconsistent, so it requires serious improvement.

"They have the same courage and determination to build a better life. Overcoming this problem is not easy. And we don't have all the answers," the players said.

They further said that they support the efforts of FIFPRO, Building and Wood Workers International, and the Confederation of International Trade Unions, to instill reform and build an eternal heritage in Qatar.

The effort needs to include establishing a center for migrant resources, effective recovery for those who have been denied their rights, and decriminalizing all same-sex relationships.

"This is a basic right that must be given to all and will ensure sustainable progress in Qatar. This is how we can ensure a legacy that goes beyond the final whistle of the 2022 FIFA World Cup," they added.

Australia secured their fifth straight appearance in the World Cup finals after beating Peru on penalties in a qualifying play-off last June.

Mat Ryan and his friends joined the defending champions France, Denmark and Tunisia in Group D. They will start the preliminary round against France (November 22), then meet Tunisia (November 26), and finally against Denmark (November 30).