Football Australia has flashed a yellow card over the 2022 World Cup hosts Qatar’s human rights record.
The Australian FA has expressed the concern through a press statement ahead of the Qatar World Cup.
The association particularly raised issues to do with migrant workers and other marginalized sections of society.
HUMAN RIGHTS
Australia acknowledged progress and legislative reforms have occurred in Qatar but called for more respect for human rights.
“…we encourage all stakeholders to continue this path to reform,” the statement reads.
“However, we have also learned that the tournament has been associated with suffering for some migrant workers and their families.”
Australia FA says it supports the establishment of a Migrant Workers Centre to represent workers’ rights beyond December 2022.
Australia also raised issues with Qatar’s treatment of lesbians, gays, lesbians, transgender and intersex (LGBTI).
“Football Australia has also been working closely with LGBTI+ communities to continue strengthening our inclusive and welcoming environment in our game throughout Australia,” the statement adds.
“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.”
Australia FA says it acknowledges Fifa and Qatar government assurances that the country will welcome minority rights groups at the World Cup.
GROUP STAGES
“…we hope that this openness can continue beyond the tournament,” the statement said.
“Football Australia has a responsibility to equitably represent our fans, our players, and our football family.”
Australia’s Socceroos are set for their fifth straight dance with the world’s finest at the World Cup.
The Socceroos will battle it out in Group D against Tunisia, Denmark and the World Cup defending champions, France.
Australia have their work cut out for them to sail past the group stages. Coincidentally, Denmark and France were also in the same group at the last World Cup held in Russia four years ago.
Australia will only get their campaign underway on November 23 against the holders France, two days after the official kick-off. This will be Australia’s sixth World Cup appearance overall and the fact.
Australia needed a dramatic penalty shootout to sail past Peru in continental play-offs played in June.
Coach Graham Arnold will only name his final 26-member squad early next month.
He will select most of his players from the local league, Championship sides of England, Scotland and some based in Japan’s J League.
AUSTRALIA SQUAD:
Goalkeepers: Mat Ryan (Copenhagen), Andrew Redmayne (Sydney FC), Mitchell Langerak (Nagoya Grampus)
Defenders: Milos Degenek (Columbus Crew), Fran Karacic (Brescia), Nathanial Atkinson (Hearts), Bailey Wright (Sunderland), Aziz Behich (Dundee United), Trent Sainsbury (Al-Wakrah), Ryan Strain (St Mirren), Harrison Delbridge (Incheon United), Joel King (OB), Thomas Deng (Albirex Niigata).
Midfielders: Denis Genreau (Toulouse), Ajdin Hrustic (Verona), Aaron Mooy (Celtic), Riley McGree (Middlesbrough), Jackson Irvine (St. Pauli), Connor Metcalfe (St. Pauli), Keanu Baccus (St Mirren), Cameron Devlin (Hearts), Tyrese Francois (Gorica)
Forwards: Martin Boyle (Hibernian), Mathew Leckie (Melbourne City), Jamie Maclaren (Melbourne City), Awer Mabil (Cadiz), Mitchell Duke (Fagiano Okayama), Marco Tilio (Melbourne City), Jason Cummings (Central Coast Mariners), Garang Kuol (Central Coast Mariners), Adam Taggart (Cerezo Osaka)
