World Cup 2022: FA under fire over delayed Qatar statement

In the run-up to the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, campaigners have criticized the Football Association for the “severe delay” in its declaration on human rights.

The FA started a OneLove armband-based anti-discrimination campaign on Wednesday.

Additionally, it supported demands that financial compensation is given for any harm or loss of life caused by a World Cup construction project.

Human Rights Watch, however, has questioned the decision’s timeliness.

“The English Football Association’s statement is welcome despite the severe delay,” said spokesperson Rothna Begum.

“With just weeks to go before the first football is kicked, it is urgent that all football associations maximise pressure on Fifa and Qatari authorities to commit to and set up a fund that will compensate wage theft, injuries and deaths since they were awarded the hosting of the World Cup in 2010.

“The statement notes that they needed the time to work out what role they needed to play, but we and many others have been calling on them for much longer to step up their support for migrant workers.”

The FA claims that it has been in contact with human rights groups, labor unions, and non-governmental organizations for more than a year about Qatar  “in order to get a balanced understanding of the key issues in the country and wider region”.

Harry Kane, the captain of England, will don a OneLove armband during World Cup and Nations League matches.

Prior to Euro 2020, the Netherlands launched the OneLove campaign to encourage inclusion and diversity and to combat discrimination.

Additionally supporting the effort are Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, Norway, Sweden, Wales, and Switzerland, whose captains will wear the armband throughout the World Cup.