CNN
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World Cup hosts Qatar praised Australia’s men’s national team for their efforts to raise awareness on “important issues” and said “no country is perfect”, a doorman said on Friday. -word of the Qatar Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy.
In a video message produced by Professional Footballers Australia (PFA) and released on Wednesday, 16 Socceroos called on Qatar to recognize same-sex relationships and improve the rights of migrant workers. The PFA also published an open letter to Qatar expressing the need for reform.
“We commend footballers for using their platforms to raise awareness on important issues,” Qatar’s Supreme Committee spokesperson said, responding to footballers’ call for reform in the country ahead of the upcoming World Cup at Doha next month.
“No country is perfect, and every country – whether or not it hosts major events – has its challenges,” the spokesperson said.
“New laws and reforms often take time to come into place, and strong implementation of labor laws is a global challenge, including in Australia.”
The 16 Socceroos said in the video message that they were “seeking to embed reforms and establish a lasting legacy in Qatar”.
“This must include the creation of a resource center for migrants, an effective remedy for those who have been deprived of their rights and the decriminalization of all same-sex relationships,” they added.
“These are the fundamental rights that should be afforded to all and will ensure continued progress in Qatar – a legacy that goes far beyond the final whistle of the 2022 FIFA World Cup.”
The Guardian reported last year that 6,500 migrant workers had died in the country in the 10 years since Qatar’s successful bid to host the tournament in 2010, most of whom were involved in low-paid and dangerous work. , often performed in extremely hot conditions.
The report – “categorically” denied by tournament organizers – did not link the 6,500 deaths to World Cup infrastructure projects and has not been independently verified by CNN.
Qatar has also faced criticism for the country’s anti-LGBTQ laws.
The World Cup begins on November 20 and ends in the final on December 18. Australia’s first match will be on November 22 against France.
