Two weeks before the start of the World Cup in Qatar (November 20-December 18), FIFA President Gianni Infantino and General Secretary Fatma Samoura sent a letter to all participating countries, asking them to focus on football and not deal with various controversies. Regarding the host country, such as concerns about LGBT+ rights or the treatment of migrant workers.
We know that football does not live in its own world, we know that there are many challenges and difficulties of a political nature throughout the world. It is written in the letter that the English media Sky Sports was able to consult. But don’t let football drag you into every ideological or political battle. »
Last week, Australian international players condemned it “Damn” Immigrant workers who built infrastructure and demanded the decriminalization of same-sex relationships endured. “A Tangible Solution” For those whose rights are not respected. Denmark has announced that it will go to the World Cup without its family to protest against the country’s human rights record.
“Let football take center stage
In the letter, Infantino also writes: “At FIFA, we try to respect all opinions and beliefs without giving moral lessons to the rest of the world. One of the world’s greatest strengths is surely its diversity, and if inclusion means anything, it means respecting that diversity. No one people, culture or country is “better” than another. This principle is the cornerstone of mutual respect and non-discrimination. This is one of the core values of football. So please let us all remember this and let football take center stage. »
The FIFA president assured that everyone will be welcome in Qatar “without regard to origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation or nationality”.