“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. These are the basic rights that should be afforded to all and will ensure continued progress in Qatar ...[and] a legacy that goes well beyond the final whistle of the 2022 FIFA World Cup.”

The players’ statement was made after a series of briefings with various authorities over the past 12 months,including FIFA,Qatar’s Supreme Committee for Legacy and Development,and several groups that advocate for workers in Qatar,facilitating direct conversations between the players and workers on the ground.

Football Australia,in its statement,also acknowledged the recent legislative reforms in Qatar but backed the players’ call for a migrant workers’ centre to protect the rights of workers beyond the World Cup,and also expressed hope for a long-term change in how LGBTQ people are treated in the country.

“As the most multicultural,diverse,and inclusive sport in our country,we believe everyone should be able to feel safe and be their true authentic selves,” FA’s statement said. “Whilst we acknowledge the highest levels of assurances given by HH Amir of Qatar and the President of FIFA that LGBTI+ fans will be safely welcomed in Qatar,we hope that this openness can continue beyond the tournament.”

Football Australia’s statement is significant and somewhat unexpected. Unlike the other countries and players to have spoken out,Australia is in the same confederation as Qatar,and the Socceroos will return there in mid-2023 to play the next Asian Cup. With FA preparing to bid to host the FIFA World Cup in 2034,many in the game assumed the federation would remain silent due to political reasons and leave protests to the players.

Instead,FA sources say they have engaged in a months-long consultation process with players,football bodies and other stakeholders,and are seizing what their statement says is an “opportunity to raise awareness of some important issues and help affect change globally and domestically”.

Australia joins several other nations in making public statements against Qatar’s human rights record. Denmark,their Group D opponents,will wear single-colour “protest” jerseys manufactured by Hummel,and have minimised any pre-tournament commercial activity or travel that promotes Qatar.

Players from nine European countries,including England,have also committed to wearing “One Love” armbands,which are intended to protest Qatar’s laws around same-sex relationships,even if they are not approved by FIFA. During qualification,Germany,the Netherlands and Norway (Norway did not qualify for the World Cup finals) wore pre-match T-shirts promoting human rights.

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