The controversies and backlash surrounding the FIFA World Cup in Qatar have taken another turn after FIFA President Gianni Infantino sent a letter to teams asking them to steer clear of political issues.
Qatar has been on the receiving end of criticism due to its stance on several human rights issues. Migrants’ rights have been in the spotlight, with claims of exploitation becoming rampant.
With less than three weeks to the 2022 World Cup, Sky News reports that Infantino and Secretary General Fatma Samoura have sent a letter to the 32 participating teams.
The duo has asked the teams not to allow football to be dragged into political battles.
“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.”
This comes at a time when England and Wales have promised to wear armbands to promote the right of homosexuals at the World Cup in Qatar
Harry Kane and Gareth Bale are expected to defy any potential bans and don the armbands.
Sports Brief had previously reported that Denmark would wear a “toned down” kit at this year’s World Cup in protest at Qatar’s human rights record, sportswear maker Hummel said Wednesday, setting off a furious response from the Gulf state.
Qatar’s organizing committee accused Hummel of “trivializing” the country’s efforts to improve conditions for migrant workers and called on the Danish federation to intervene.
The logo of the Danish sportswear brand and the Danish national badge are both barely visible on the shirts designed for the World Cup which starts on November 20.
