Members of Australia‘s national team have called for Qatar to establish a migrant resource centre and remedy-seeking mechanisms for individuals whose rights have been infringed as well as decriminalising all same-sex relationships in order to “establish a lasting legacy” after the 2022 World Cup.
In a video distributed by Australian professional player’s union Professional Footballers Australia, several members of the Socceroos squad that featured throughout qualifying outlined their position on the staging of the tournament, which begins next month.
– Stream on ESPN+: LaLiga, Bundesliga, MLS, more (U.S.)
“We stand with the likes of FIFPRO, the Building and Woodworkers International and the International Trade Union Confederation in seeking to embed reforms and establish a lasting legacy in Qatar,” Sunderland defender Bailey Wright said.
“This must include establishing a migrants resource centre, effective remedy for those who have been denied their rights and the decriminalisation of all same-sex relationships,” St. Pauli midfielder Jackson Irvine added.
“These are the basic rights that should be afforded to all and will ensure continued progress in Qatar.”
Since being awarded hosting rights to the tournament over a decade ago, Qatar has faced intense scrutiny over its treatment of migrant workers, its criminalisation of homosexuality and other human rights issues.
Members of both Australia’s men’s and women’s national teams have met on multiple occasions with Amnesty International, FIFA, Qatar’s Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy, the International Labour Organisation, FIFPro and representatives of migrant workers in the lead-up to the tournament.
“We have learned that progress has been made both on paper and in practice,” Sydney FC defender Alex Wilkinson, who serves as president of the union, said.
