Off-field discussion points from the FIFA World Cup 2022 in Qatar

[ex-q-zit]

A lot of noise about this and below is the Qatar FM's reaction.

But the question is how should the participants react to it?

Is talking about it OK? Should they boycott or simply move on and keep it separate from the football itself?

==

World Cup 2022: 10 European football associations respond to Fifa's 'focus on football' letter

Ten European football associations including those of England and Wales say "human rights are universal and apply everywhere" after Fifa asked nations competing at the Qatar World Cup to "now focus on the football".

The world governing body wrote to all 32 teams following a controversial build-up to the tournament, which starts on 20 November.

Host Qatar has been criticised for its stance on same-sex relationships, its human rights record and its treatment of migrant workers.

The Fifa letter was criticised by Human Rights Watch, Amnesty International and LGBT+ campaigners in England and Wales.

While acknowledging the "significant progress" made by Qatar, a joint statement issued by members of the Uefa Working Group on human rights and labour rights said it would "continue to press" Fifa for answers on outstanding issues surrounding migrant workers.

"We acknowledge, and welcome, as we have done in the past, that significant progress has been made by Qatar, particularly with regards to the rights of migrant workers, with the impact of legislative changes demonstrated in the International Labour Organisation's recent reports," said the statement.

"We welcome the assurances given by the Qatari Government and by Fifa regarding the safety, security, and inclusion of all fans who travel to the World Cup, including LGBTQ+ fans. We also recognise that every country has issues and challenges and we agree with Fifa that diversity is a strength.

"However, embracing diversity and tolerance also means supporting human rights. Human rights are universal and they apply everywhere."

Fifa's letter, signed by its president Gianni Infantino and secretary general Fatma Samoura, urged that football should not be "dragged" into ideological or political "battles" and it should not be "handing out moral lessons".

Peaceful protests have been planned by some players, while England's Harry Kane and nine other captains of European teams will be wearing 'One Love' armbands. to promote diversity and inclusion.

Denmark will wear "toned-down" shirts to protest against Qatar, with kit provider Hummel saying it "does not wish to be visible" in a tournament it claims "has cost thousands of lives", while Australia's squad have released a video urging Qatar to abolish its laws on same-sex relationships.

England's FA has backed calls for compensation to be awarded for "any injury or death related to any construction project" for the World Cup.

"We will continue to support the momentum for positive, progressive change and continue to advocate for a conclusive outcome and update on the two key outstanding issues we have been discussing with Fifa for a long time," the Uefa Working Group's statement continued.

"Fifa has repeatedly committed to deliver concrete answers on these issues - the compensation fund for migrant workers, and the concept of a migrant workers centre to be created in Doha - and we will continue to press for these to be delivered.

"We believe in the power of football to make further positive and credible contributions to progressive sustainable change in the world."

On Saturday, protests were held at Bundesliga games in Germany with fans holding up banners in the crowd.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/63533589

 

[MenInG]

English and Welsh football leaders insist they will continue to campaign on human rights issues and compensation for migrant workers in Qatar after FIFA told World Cup teams to keep politics and lectures on morality out of the tournament.

The FIFA leadership issued the plea to "focus on the football" in a letter revealed exclusively by Sky News on Thursday night, just after it had been sent to the 32 World Cup finalists.

The English and Welsh football associations issued a joint statement with eight other European federations as part of a UEFA Working Group on Human and Labour Rights, saying they will continue to press on off-field issues.

They recognised Qatar's progress in improving working conditions and saying LGBTQ+ fans would be welcome despite same-sex relations being criminalised in the conservative Gulf nation.

But the European nations said: "We also recognise that every country has issues and challenges, and we agree with FIFA that diversity is a strength. However, embracing diversity and tolerance also means supporting human rights. Human rights are universal and they apply everywhere."

FIFA sent the letter last week, as the European nations had been seeking assurances by last week from FIFA that there would be compensation for any deaths of migrant workers in Qatar.

The UEFA working group said in a statement: "FIFA has repeatedly committed to deliver concrete answers on these issues - the compensation fund for migrant workers, and the concept of a migrant workers centre to be created in Doha - and we will continue to press for these to be delivered.

"We believe in the power of football to make further positive and credible contributions to progressive, sustainable change in the world."

The UEFA group also featured Belgium, Denmark, Germany, the Netherlands, Portugal and Switzerland, who will be playing in Qatar, as well as non-qualified nations Norway and Sweden.

They said they were reacting "to the latest developments and public discussions related to challenges in the host country off the pitch, before the sport shall soon take centre stage."

FIFA president Gianni Infantino and secretary general Fatma Samoura wrote to them last week, saying: "Please do not allow football to be dragged into every ideological or political battle that exists."

SKY

 

[KingKhanWC]

This is nothing more than political propaganda, no need for us to help this spread.

The nations which are crying over human rights the most are the likes of UK, US , France etc. Outside of Europe, racists and those who lack basic intelligence & understanding of the world, they are laughing at this suggestion from such nations.

UK, US policies have killed over 4 million Muslims alone in the last 20 years, yet these nations have the audacity to call out others for human rights abuses. Lets not even mention illegal rendition and Guantanamo bay.

As for LGBT, Muslims will never accept an ideology which thinks two men have intimate relations is fine, its disgusting for us as Muslims and we will never see this differently.

Qatar is a lovely place to visit, no nation is perfect but this is sport. The World Cup will be one of the best ever.

If you have issues, stay home and dont watch otherwise keep quiet and enjoy the beautiful game.

 

[sweep_shot]

This is nothing more than political propaganda, no need for us to help this spread.

The nations which are crying over human rights the most are the likes of UK, US , France etc. Outside of Europe, racists and those who lack basic intelligence & understanding of the world, they are laughing at this suggestion from such nations.

UK, US policies have killed over 4 million Muslims alone in the last 20 years, yet these nations have the audacity to call out others for human rights abuses. Lets not even mention illegal rendition and Guantanamo bay.

As for LGBT, Muslims will never accept an ideology which thinks two men have intimate relations is fine, its disgusting for us as Muslims and we will never see this differently.

Qatar is a lovely place to visit, no nation is perfect but this is sport. The World Cup will be one of the best ever.

If you have issues, stay home and dont watch otherwise keep quiet and enjoy the beautiful game.

I agree.

Participants should respect Qatar and focus on football only.

 

[KingKhanWC]

I agree.

Participants should respect Qatar and focus on football only.

If they care so much , dont send their teams but will never do it.

Just the usual anti-Muslim propaganda esp now since the Arabs are moving away from the west and towards Russia & China.

Some captains such as Harry Kane insist they will wear the LGBT armband which is banned. FIFA should not allow him or anyone else on the pitch if they chose to do so.

 

[sweep_shot]

If they care so much , dont send their teams but will never do it.

Just the usual anti-Muslim propaganda esp now since the Arabs are moving away from the west and towards Russia & China.

Some captains such as Harry Kane insist they will wear the LGBT armband which is banned. FIFA should not allow him or anyone else on the pitch if they chose to do so.

Correct.

Politics should be out of football. FIFA should step in.

Harry Kane is overrated. He should focus on his game instead of focusing on a fancy armband.

 

[boomboomcheema]

Please concentrate on the Prestigious tournament and don't use the platform to push forward your political agendas. Fans right now wish to see great contests between different sides and have a break from Politics than bringing more politics into Sports.

 

[Technics 1210]

These muppets who complain about human rights in Qatar, had no problem with the previous WC held in Russia! LET THIS SINK IN.

The current noise is nothing but Islamophobic propaganda!

And these so called SJWs have no problem buying products in countries with appalling human rights/slave labour record either, China! Ask a Liberal right now to dump their smartphone - they will never!

Again, current noise against Qatar is nothing but Islamophobic propaganda and hatred towards Islam!

 

[Technics 1210]

Oh and the SJWs who oppose the WC in Qatar, put your money where you mouth is and bail from the WC! I dare Harry Kane to pull out of the WC.

Fraudsters and hypocrites!

 

[sweep_shot]

World Cup 2022: 10 European football associations respond to Fifa's 'focus on football' letter

Ten European football associations including those of England and Wales say "human rights are universal and apply everywhere" after Fifa asked nations competing at the Qatar World Cup to "now focus on the football".

The world governing body wrote to all 32 teams following a controversial build-up to the tournament, which starts on 20 November.

Host Qatar has been criticised for its stance on same-sex relationships, its human rights record and its treatment of migrant workers.

The Fifa letter was criticised by Human Rights Watch, Amnesty International and LGBT+ campaigners in England and Wales.

While acknowledging the "significant progress" made by Qatar, a joint statement issued by members of the Uefa Working Group on human rights and labour rights said it would "continue to press" Fifa for answers on outstanding issues surrounding migrant workers.

"We acknowledge, and welcome, as we have done in the past, that significant progress has been made by Qatar, particularly with regards to the rights of migrant workers, with the impact of legislative changes demonstrated in the International Labour Organisation's recent reports," said the statement.

"We welcome the assurances given by the Qatari Government and by Fifa regarding the safety, security, and inclusion of all fans who travel to the World Cup, including LGBTQ+ fans. We also recognise that every country has issues and challenges and we agree with Fifa that diversity is a strength.

"However, embracing diversity and tolerance also means supporting human rights. Human rights are universal and they apply everywhere."

Fifa's letter, signed by its president Gianni Infantino and secretary general Fatma Samoura, urged that football should not be "dragged" into ideological or political "battles" and it should not be "handing out moral lessons".

Peaceful protests have been planned by some players, while England's Harry Kane and nine other captains of European teams will be wearing 'One Love' armbands. to promote diversity and inclusion.

Denmark will wear "toned-down" shirts to protest against Qatar, with kit provider Hummel saying it "does not wish to be visible" in a tournament it claims "has cost thousands of lives", while Australia's squad have released a video urging Qatar to abolish its laws on same-sex relationships.

England's FA has backed calls for compensation to be awarded for "any injury or death related to any construction project" for the World Cup.

"We will continue to support the momentum for positive, progressive change and continue to advocate for a conclusive outcome and update on the two key outstanding issues we have been discussing with Fifa for a long time," the Uefa Working Group's statement continued.

"Fifa has repeatedly committed to deliver concrete answers on these issues - the compensation fund for migrant workers, and the concept of a migrant workers centre to be created in Doha - and we will continue to press for these to be delivered.

"We believe in the power of football to make further positive and credible contributions to progressive sustainable change in the world."

On Saturday, protests were held at Bundesliga games in Germany with fans holding up banners in the crowd.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/63533589

Only European countries are complaining (as expected).

If they don't want to come, they should boycott. Not sure why they are causing dramas.

 

[sweep_shot]

.. while Australia's squad have released a video urging Qatar to abolish its laws on same-sex relationships.

I cracked up at this.

Who do Australia think they are? Qatar is not part of Australia. Qatar a sovereign state. Qatar can do as they please.

 

[KingKhanWC]

England, Wales and Belgium, Denmark, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Sweden and Switzerland.

These 10 nations are trying to claim some sort of moral superiority. FIFA have told them in clearly to worry about football not politics but these jokers are still upset about LGBT.

I think in the end they will not wear the LGBT armbands but lets see.

 

[James]

It’s a bit of a moot point really, because teams from all of the “concerned” nations are still turning up. If they cared so much, they would boycott the tournament. I wouldn’t rule out one or two nations still doing this very very late for maximum publicity around the issue, but if they do, so be it.

 

[KingKhanWC]

It’s a bit of a moot point really, because teams from all of the “concerned” nations are still turning up. If they cared so much, they would boycott the tournament. I wouldn’t rule out one or two nations still doing this very very late for maximum publicity around the issue, but if they do, so be it.

Agree but extremely unlikely. Main reason being MOST fans would not support this and many fans of these nations see no issue with Qatar. If they do, FIFA will crumble, another world body will arrive or a split in the whole footballing world! We cannot afford divide in football, its the greatest team sport in history and unites people from all nations. Remember the World Cup game between USA and Iran? Fans and players embraced each other, it was wonderful to see.

 

[James]

I am looking forward to watching 4 football games a days for a month to be honest.

 

[KingKhanWC]

It would be a shame for England players to have any sort of diversion.

All players are ready as this WC will be mid season. England have a great facility, not much travel and the heat wont be an issue this time.

Ignore the poltiics, play hard and fair, England have a chance , albeit outside but a good chance to bring the cup home.

 

[Mamoon]

Why should Qatar live up to the western standards of human rights? Their country, their choice. End of story.

As long as they are not breaching any international law (agreement) that they have signed, they cannot be held accountable.

 

[SpiritOf1903]

Same way they did Russia. Bktant xenophobic hypocrisy. They don't give a damn about human rights. Haaland wears protest shirts with Norway yet signs for Man City and the ruling country has exact same tropes levelled at it

 

[KingKhanWC]

Same way they did Russia. Bktant xenophobic hypocrisy. They don't give a damn about human rights. Haaland wears protest shirts with Norway yet signs for Man City and the ruling country has exact same tropes levelled at it

Give all England players a chance to earn millions a year via Arab oil money and they will jump at it.

Remember Harry Kane was in tears when Spurs wouldnt allow him to sign for City? Now he decides to become Saint Harry ,the saviour of the world lol.

 

[PakLFC]

If by human rights they mean a ban on gay and lesbian relations then FIFA knew about this before choosing it as a venue. They also were fully aware of how much of the Middle East has been constructed by labourers treated as slaves from the subcontinent. Now just get on with it by getting the football started.

 

[Manunited18]

Give all England players a chance to earn millions a year via Arab oil money and they will jump at it.

Remember Harry Kane was in tears when Spurs wouldnt allow him to sign for City? Now he decides to become Saint Harry ,the saviour of the world lol.

Spot on. . Also the LIV golfers, who last year were calling out saudis human rights records, have now sold their sole and are quiet as mice after signing for multi million dollar deals. Total hypocrites

 

[SalimBhai]

Money talks and bull ……….walks

 

[hitthestump]

It’s a bit of a moot point really, because teams from all of the “concerned” nations are still turning up. If they cared so much, they would boycott the tournament. I wouldn’t rule out one or two nations still doing this very very late for maximum publicity around the issue, but if they do, so be it.

I'm sure they've looked into it. The anti-Qatar sentiment feels extremely strong and very valid.

I would support any England boycott based on my own limited understanding of the topic. That shows to me how far reaching the propaganda has been.

Ultimately though i'm sure there's one or two billion reasons why it hasn't happened.

 

[MenInG]

When you post in this thread - make sure you VOTE in the poll as well. Thanks

 

[rhony]

The LGBTQ+ is the most powerful, most vocal community. It is perhaps the only community where whites can consider themselves marginalized. They will milk this Qatar world cup and start protests and demonstrations everywhere as we get closer.

 

[Clueless]

Ignore, human rights don't matter in such places

 

[ex-q-zit]

Hacking Group, Based In India, Targeted Qatar World Cup Critics: Report

London: An India-based computer hacking gang targeted critics of the Qatar World Cup, an investigation by British journalists said on Sunday, as the Qatari government furiously denied it had played any part in commissioning the eavesdropping.

A database leaked to Britain's Sunday Times and the Bureau of Investigative Journalism revealed the hacking of a dozen lawyers, journalists and famous people from 2019 "commissioned by one particular client", the newspaper and the bureau said in a statement.

"This investigation points strongly to this client being the host of (the) World Cup: Qatar," it said, prompting the Qatari authorities to describe the allegation as "patently false and without merit".

Among those targeted was Michel Platini, the former head of European football.

Platini, who was hacked ahead of talks with French police about World Cup related graft claims, told AFP he was "surprised and deeply shocked" by the report.

He said he would be exploring all possible legal avenues over what appeared to be a serious "violation" of his privacy.

London-based consultant Ghanem Nuseibeh whose company Cornerstone produced a report on corruption relating to the World Cup was also targeted, the Sunday Times said in its report based on the joint investigation.

Others included Nathalie Goulet, a French senator and vocal critic of Qatar for allegedly financing "Islamic terrorism" and Mark Somos, a Germany-based lawyer, who had made a complaint about the Qatari royal family to the United Nations Human Rights Council.

Over 100 targeted

The controversy comes two weeks before the World Cup is due to kick off in the conservative Gulf state on November 20.

The newspaper alleged that the hacking was masterminded by a 31-year-old accountancy firm employee, who denies the claims.

Based in a suburb of the Indian tech city of Gurugram near Delhi, his network of computer hackers allegedly ensnared their targets using "phishing" techniques to gain access to their email inboxes, sometimes also deploying malicious software to take control of their computer cameras and microphones.

Hacking attacks were not limited, however, to those with an interest in the Qatar World Cup.

In total more than 100 victims had their private email accounts targeted by the gang "on behalf of investigators working for autocratic states, British lawyers and their wealthy clients", the report said.

These included politicians dealing with issues relating to Russia such as Britain's former finance minister Philip Hammond.

He was targeted during a period when he was dealing with the aftermath of the 2018 Novichok attack on former double agent Sergei Skripal which the UK has blamed on Russia.

The Swiss president and his deputy were also hacked days after the president met then British prime minister Boris Johnson to discuss Russian sanctions.

The gang also seized control of computers owned by Pakistani politicians and generals and had their conversations monitored, "apparently at the behest of the Indian secret services", the Sunday Times added.

'No evidence'

A Qatari official rejected the allegations, describing the Bureau of Investigative Journalism's (TBIJ) report as "littered with glaring inconsistencies and falsehoods that undermine the credibility of their organisation".

"The report relies on a single source who claims his ultimate client was Qatar, despite there being no evidence to prove it," the official told AFP in a statement.

"Numerous companies have also boasted of non-existent ties to Qatar in an attempt to boost their profile in the run up to the World Cup.

"TBIJ's decision to publish the report without a single piece of credible evidence to connect their allegations to Qatar raises serious concerns about their motives, which appear to be driven by political, rather than public interest, reasons," the official added.

NDTV

 

[MenInG]

Those posting in this thread - use the vote button on top and add your vote.

 

[MenInG]

Sepp Blatter has admitted the decision to award the World Cup to Qatar when he was FIFA president was a "mistake".

The build-up to this year's World Cup has been dogged by concerns about the suffering of low-paid migrant workers to build the infrastructure in the tiny Gulf nation and discriminatory laws that criminalise same-sex relations.

Blatter, 86, was the boss of FIFA in 2010 when its executive committee controversially voted for the World Cup to be held in Russia and Qatar in 2018 and 2022 respectively. Blatter claims he did not vote for Qatar and instead wanted a "gesture of peace" by hosting the two tournaments in Russia and then the USA.

"The choice of Qatar was a mistake," Blatter said in an interview with Swiss newspaper Tages-Anzeiger, his first since being cleared of fraud charges in July following a £1.7m payment to the former UEFA president Michel Platini.

"At the time, we actually agreed in the executive committee that Russia should get the 2018 World Cup and the USA that of 2022. It would have been a gesture of peace if the two long-standing political opponents had hosted the World Cup one after the other.

"It's too small a country. Football and the World Cup are too big for that."

The Qatar World Cup, which had to be moved to November and December due to heat, is now just two weeks away and Blatter accepts he is responsible for the tournament taking place there.

"Now that the World Cup is imminent, I'm glad that, with a few exceptions, no footballers are boycotting the World Cup.

"For me it is clear: Qatar is a mistake. The choice was bad. What I'm wondering: why is the new FIFA president [Gianni Infantino] living in Qatar? He can't be the head of the local World Cup organisation. That's not his job. There are two organising committees for this - a local one and one from FIFA."

Peter Tatchell, a human rights activist, claims he was detained after he staged what his foundation believes is the first public LGBT+ protest in Qatar
However, Blatter stopped short of regretting the decision to award Russia the World Cup following the country's invasion of Ukraine.

Blatter said he is no longer in contact with Vladimir Putin and rejected claims Russia used the competition as a "propaganda platform".

"Many others also use sport for political purposes. I'm not a judge and I don't want to judge that," he added.

SKY

 

[sweep_shot]

Peter Tatchell, a human rights activist, claims he was detained after he staged what his foundation believes is the first public LGBT+ protest in Qatar
However, Blatter stopped short of regretting the decision to award Russia the World Cup following the country's invasion of Ukraine.

Blatter said he is no longer in contact with Vladimir Putin and rejected claims Russia used the competition as a "propaganda platform".

"Many others also use sport for political purposes. I'm not a judge and I don't want to judge that," he added.

SKY

This Peter Tatchell shouldn't be allowed to enter Qatar or any gulf state again.

Causing drama unnecessarily.

 

[The_KING]

I am sick to death of this LGBTQ agenda. They want to constantly shove it down our threads in movies, tv shows, music etc. And now they want Muslim countries to change their laws to allow gay marriages. I am sick of this backside kissing of the LGBTQ community in the west.

If you have a problem with Qatar’s laws, then simply don’t play the tournament. All these nations crying about Qatar’s stance on same sex relationships should simply boycott the tournament, but of course, they won’t do that.

The reality is that these people simply have a problem with a Muslim country hosting a tournament, and they want to hide their obvious Islamophobia by bringing up Qatar’s stance on LGBTQ. They never said anything when Russia hosted the World Cup four years ago and Russia has anti gay laws too.

 

[MenInG]

I am sick to death of this LGBTQ agenda. They want to constantly shove it down our threads in movies, tv shows, music etc. And now they want Muslim countries to change their laws to allow gay marriages. I am sick of this backside kissing of the LGBTQ community in the west.

If you have a problem with Qatar’s laws, then simply don’t play the tournament. All these nations crying about Qatar’s stance on same sex relationships should simply boycott the tournament, but of course, they won’t do that.

The reality is that these people simply have a problem with a Muslim country hosting a tournament, and they want to hide their obvious Islamophobia by bringing up Qatar’s stance on LGBTQ. They never said anything when Russia hosted the World Cup four years ago and Russia has anti gay laws too.

An ambassador for the World Cup in Qatar has described homosexuality as "damage in the mind".

Two weeks before the football tournament begins in the Gulf state, former Qatari footballer Khalid Salman told a German public broadcaster being gay is "haram", or forbidden in Arabic.

In excerpts of the television interview shown on ZDF's news programme Heute Journal, Mr Salman said he has a problem with children seeing gay people.

Mr Salman went on to say homosexuality "is spiritual harm".

"During the World Cup, many things will come here to the country. Let's talk about gays," Mr Salman said in English, which was simultaneously dubbed into German in the TV segment.

"The most important thing is, everybody will accept that they come here. But they will have to accept our rules," he added.

When asked why it was haram, Mr Salman said: "I am not a strict Muslim but why is it haram? Because it is damage in the mind."

Interview cut short

The interview was immediately cut short by a press officer of the World Cup organising committee after Mr Salman described being gay as "damage in the mind", ZDF reported.

Around 1.2 million international visitors are expected in Qatar for the month-long tournament, which has been criticised ever since the gas-rich emirate was selected as host by Fifa in December 2010.

There have been concerns about the conservative country's treatment of homosexuals living in the country as well as LGBTQ tourists attending the World Cup.

World Cup organisers did not immediately respond to Sky News' request for comment.

Labour's shadow sports minister Jeff Smith said the onus was now on the World Cup organisers to condemn the comments.

"They need to say this person doesn't represent us, doesn't represent the ethos and the manner in which the World Cup is meant to be run, and say LGBT people, along with all other people, are welcome," he told BBC Radio 4's World at One.

Robbie de Santos from LGBT group Stonewall said he was surprised but not shocked by the views.

"It is shocking to hear such comments in the run up to what should be an absolutely joyous, inclusive, global celebration. Such a divisive comment is just really, really hard to hear," he said.

"I think that the tournament is going to happen, people are going to watch it, but it is going to be really uneasy for so many people to watch a tournament which has just been mired in so much controversy."

Calls for boycott

There have been calls for people to boycott the World Cup due to Qatar's stance on gay rights.

Opposition leader Sir Keir Starmer has said he and his Labour colleagues will not attend.

Foreign Secretary James Cleverly was accused of being "shockingly tone-deaf" last month after he urged LGBT football fans to be "respectful" of Qatar if they visit the country for the World Cup.

The Gulf state's foreign minister told Sky News those criticising the tournament are "arrogant".

"Preaching from a distance is not a solution," said Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman al Thani.

"Calling to boycott the World Cup, or those who are not coming to the World Cup, it's their decision at the end of the day, but why deprive the people and the public from attending and enjoying the World Cup."

LGBT Qataris arrested and abused, rights group claims

It comes after a Human Rights Watch (HRW) report claimed security forces in Qatar have been arbitrarily arresting and abusing LGBT Qataris recently.

HRW said it had interviewed six LGBT Qataris, including four transgender women, one bisexual woman and one gay man, who reported being detained between 2019 and 2022.

They said they had been detained without charge in an underground prison in Doha and subjected to verbal and physical abuse, including kicking and punching.

One individual said they were held for two months in solitary confinement.

SKY

 

[Robert]

Qatar should never have got the World Cup. It's like playing cricket and rugby with apartheid SA. But money rules FIFA.

 

[sweep_shot]

Qatar should never have got the World Cup. It's like playing cricket and rugby with apartheid SA. But money rules FIFA.

Qatar doesn't have apartheid though.

If you think Qatar has apartheid, most countries in the world probably have apartheid.

 

[Pascal Gambit]

It’s a bit of a moot point really, because teams from all of the “concerned” nations are still turning up. If they cared so much, they would boycott the tournament. I wouldn’t rule out one or two nations still doing this very very late for maximum publicity around the issue, but if they do, so be it.

I wholeheartedly concur.

Last night, I happened to chance upon a repeat broadcast of last Friday's Have I Got News For You, hosted by Gary Neville. Midway through the programme Ian Hislop directed a lengthy polemic at GN for agreeing to go to Qatar as a commentator. GN wilted under the pressure, went red-faced and offered little to no defence of his stance. I dearly wish he had said something along the lines of your aforementioned point. Moreover, he could've highlighted the fact that if we begin judging and boycotting nations hosting sporting tournaments on their track record, many countries should've stayed away from the innumerable tournaments held in the West over the past century on account of their atrocious actions across the world, which have resulted in tens of millions of deaths.

As highlighted by someone in a previous post, sports is a great unifier and engenders opportunities for people to intermingle and share ideas and their thoughts. This can and often does lead to a harmonisation of values. Conversely, highlighting our concerns by trying to shame other nations generally leads to people becoming entrenched in their views.

BTW, I'm not an apologist for the Qataris but the bogus and downright deceitful stance of the objecting nations is utterly hypocritical and needs some pushback. Politicians in the West care very little about LGBTQ rights and care much less about the awful plight of migrant workers. Indeed, it's all lip service in this great game of cultural colonialism; just another schtick utilised by Western nations to not engage and ridicule others as regressive or uncivilised..

 

[The_KING]

An ambassador for the World Cup in Qatar has described homosexuality as "damage in the mind".

Two weeks before the football tournament begins in the Gulf state, former Qatari footballer Khalid Salman told a German public broadcaster being gay is "haram", or forbidden in Arabic.

In excerpts of the television interview shown on ZDF's news programme Heute Journal, Mr Salman said he has a problem with children seeing gay people.

Mr Salman went on to say homosexuality "is spiritual harm".

"During the World Cup, many things will come here to the country. Let's talk about gays," Mr Salman said in English, which was simultaneously dubbed into German in the TV segment.

"The most important thing is, everybody will accept that they come here. But they will have to accept our rules," he added.

When asked why it was haram, Mr Salman said: "I am not a strict Muslim but why is it haram? Because it is damage in the mind."

Interview cut short

The interview was immediately cut short by a press officer of the World Cup organising committee after Mr Salman described being gay as "damage in the mind", ZDF reported.

Around 1.2 million international visitors are expected in Qatar for the month-long tournament, which has been criticised ever since the gas-rich emirate was selected as host by Fifa in December 2010.

There have been concerns about the conservative country's treatment of homosexuals living in the country as well as LGBTQ tourists attending the World Cup.

World Cup organisers did not immediately respond to Sky News' request for comment.

Labour's shadow sports minister Jeff Smith said the onus was now on the World Cup organisers to condemn the comments.

"They need to say this person doesn't represent us, doesn't represent the ethos and the manner in which the World Cup is meant to be run, and say LGBT people, along with all other people, are welcome," he told BBC Radio 4's World at One.

Robbie de Santos from LGBT group Stonewall said he was surprised but not shocked by the views.

"It is shocking to hear such comments in the run up to what should be an absolutely joyous, inclusive, global celebration. Such a divisive comment is just really, really hard to hear," he said.

"I think that the tournament is going to happen, people are going to watch it, but it is going to be really uneasy for so many people to watch a tournament which has just been mired in so much controversy."

Calls for boycott

There have been calls for people to boycott the World Cup due to Qatar's stance on gay rights.

Opposition leader Sir Keir Starmer has said he and his Labour colleagues will not attend.

Foreign Secretary James Cleverly was accused of being "shockingly tone-deaf" last month after he urged LGBT football fans to be "respectful" of Qatar if they visit the country for the World Cup.

The Gulf state's foreign minister told Sky News those criticising the tournament are "arrogant".

"Preaching from a distance is not a solution," said Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman al Thani.

"Calling to boycott the World Cup, or those who are not coming to the World Cup, it's their decision at the end of the day, but why deprive the people and the public from attending and enjoying the World Cup."

LGBT Qataris arrested and abused, rights group claims

It comes after a Human Rights Watch (HRW) report claimed security forces in Qatar have been arbitrarily arresting and abusing LGBT Qataris recently.

HRW said it had interviewed six LGBT Qataris, including four transgender women, one bisexual woman and one gay man, who reported being detained between 2019 and 2022.

They said they had been detained without charge in an underground prison in Doha and subjected to verbal and physical abuse, including kicking and punching.

One individual said they were held for two months in solitary confinement.

SKY

What Salman said is a view shared by many across the world. Too bad he is going to face the wrath of the annoying woke activists, but I doubt he cares.

 

[MenInG]

My view is simple.

Qatar is too small a nation to hold a World event. They are part of a region which could have easily shared the event but jealousies etc have spoiled the whole thing.

A World Cup with matches in Doha, Dubai, Muscat, Jeddah and Manama would have brought untold benefits to all concerned.

 

[Robert]

Qatar doesn't have apartheid though.

If you think Qatar has apartheid, most countries in the world probably have apartheid.

That’s rather literal of you. Discrimination on the grounds of sexuality is the same as discrimination in n grounds of race. Both are based on fear of something different.

 

[sweep_shot]

That’s rather literal of you. Discrimination on the grounds of sexuality is the same as discrimination in n grounds of race. Both are based on fear of something different.

Pedophilia is illegal in west (as it should be).

What if another country says west is apartheid because of prohibition of pedophilia?

This is not even a matter of culture. This is something religion of Islam prohibits explicitly. Even Christianity and Judaism prohibit it.

If you are calling Qatar apartheid for this, you are pretty much calling Islam apartheid.

West shouldn't interfere in matters of other countries.

 

[Manunited18]

My view is simple.

Qatar is too small a nation to hold a World event. They are part of a region which could have easily shared the event but jealousies etc have spoiled the whole thing.

A World Cup with matches in Doha, Dubai, Muscat, Jeddah and Manama would have brought untold benefits to all concerned.

Completely agree. Rather the whole GULF region sharing it. But obvious greed, jelousy, is common among the arab states.

 

[Robert]

Some captains such as Harry Kane insist they will wear the LGBT armband which is banned. FIFA should not allow him or anyone else on the pitch if they chose to do so.

All eight European captains will.

The Dutch have had to take the supplier logo off their kit because the supplier refuses identification with Qatar.

 

[Robert]

Pedophilia is illegal in west (as it should be).

What if another country says west is apartheid because of prohibition of pedophilia?

This is not even a matter of culture. This is something religion of Islam prohibits explicitly. Even Christianity and Judaism prohibit it.

If you are calling Qatar apartheid for this, you are pretty much calling Islam apartheid.

West shouldn't interfere in matters of other countries.

Always paedophilia gets raised here. Bestiality and incest will be raised next, sure as night follows day

Islam isn’t a nation state. Nor is Christianity or Judaism. So these religions cannot be apartheid. Qatar Is a nation state.

Judaism and Christianity say God made the world in seven days. We know this to be nonsense now. Mosaic law is largely responsible obsolete in the modern pluralist West.

Nobody is telling Muslims to be gay. Only that you should keep it in your heart and don’t try to control and oppress people who are gay.

But yes, Qatar makes Qatari law so it would be best for European nations simply not to attend the WC.

 

[szrana007]

Always paedophilia gets raised here. Bestiality and incest will be raised next, sure as night follows day

Islam isn’t a nation state. Nor is Christianity or Judaism. So these religions cannot be apartheid. Qatar Is a nation state.

Judaism and Christianity say God made the world in seven days. We know this to be nonsense now. Mosaic law is largely responsible obsolete in the modern pluralist West.

Nobody is telling Muslims to be gay. Only that you should keep it in your heart and don’t try to control and oppress people who are gay.

But yes, Qatar makes Qatari law so it would be best for European nations simply not to attend the WC.

Muslim countries won't legalize or normalize the same sex marriage because they take their religion seriously unlike Jews and Christians.

You can keep your liberalism, but don't try to force it on others.

 

[Technics 1210]

I wonder how many SJWs/Liberals will tune in to watch the World Cup? Less is more.

These liberals talk a big game but their desire is money and to force their beliefs onto others. Fascism much? Everything else is just showboating.

I sincerely want Qatar to ban any footballers and spectators live on TV, who try to push the Western liberal agenda. These Western liberals are goading, just like they were with Russia and paid the price. Liberals are the aggressors!

Such a bad year for the West; both on the Ukraine front, and now the Football front.

 

[Technics 1210]

I am sick to death of this LGBTQ agenda. They want to constantly shove it down our threads in movies, tv shows, music etc. And now they want Muslim countries to change their laws to allow gay marriages. I am sick of this backside kissing of the LGBTQ community in the west.

If you have a problem with Qatar’s laws, then simply don’t play the tournament. All these nations crying about Qatar’s stance on same sex relationships should simply boycott the tournament, but of course, they won’t do that.

The reality is that these people simply have a problem with a Muslim country hosting a tournament, and they want to hide their obvious Islamophobia by bringing up Qatar’s stance on LGBTQ. They never said anything when Russia hosted the World Cup four years ago and Russia has anti gay laws too.

Spot on.

West never had a problem with China hosting Olympics, or even Westerners owning products made in China. Liberalism lacks free thought which is why Liberals only repeat what is said in MSM, the result? Liberals expose their hypocrisy!

The LGBTQ agenda must stop. It is unnatural, and detrimental to societies. This is a proven fact.

I say Islamic nations should pull out out their investments and money from Amreeka and UK, then watch the West grovel!

How dare the West force an agenda yet call for freedom!

 

[The_KING]

I wonder how many SJWs/Liberals will tune in to watch the World Cup? Less is more.

These liberals talk a big game but their desire is money and to force their beliefs onto others. Fascism much? Everything else is just showboating.

I sincerely want Qatar to ban any footballers and spectators live on TV, who try to push the Western liberal agenda. These Western liberals are goading, just like they were with Russia and paid the price. Liberals are the aggressors!

Such a bad year for the West; both on the Ukraine front, and now the Football front.

Once the tournament starts, all this crying will stop and they will be glued in front of their TV screens. This talk of people boycotting the tournament is complete nonsense.

 

[The_KING]

Spot on.

West never had a problem with China hosting Olympics, or even Westerners owning products made in China. Liberalism lacks free thought which is why Liberals only repeat what is said in MSM, the result? Liberals expose their hypocrisy!

The LGBTQ agenda must stop. It is unnatural, and detrimental to societies. This is a proven fact.

I say Islamic nations should pull out out their investments and money from Amreeka and UK, then watch the West grovel!

How dare the West force an agenda yet call for freedom!

Liberals' hypocrisy shows no bounds. These same footballers who are going to wear the rainbow captain's armbands during the world cup are the ones who play for clubs that are state owned by Qatar and Middle East. For these people, it is all about the money.

 

[Technics 1210]

Once the tournament starts, all this crying will stop and they will be glued in front of their TV screens. This talk of people boycotting the tournament is complete nonsense.

Yup, it is all bluff and bluster, pandering to MSM. Liberals should first boycott products made in China, then protest against trade between ME and the WEST (Oil, Investments, weapons), if they are serious about human rights.

We know the drill, if England reach the SF/Final, every football fan in England will tune in!

 

[James]

Once the tournament starts, all this crying will stop and they will be glued in front of their TV screens. This talk of people boycotting the tournament is complete nonsense.

Im inclined to agree here. There will be 3-4 games per day, players from all over the globe will be in the shop window and eager to impress, and the tackles will be flying in not the mention the goals. People will soon forget about their prior misgivings. Qatar was a bit of an unusual choice to host the tournament for numerous reasons and FIFA’s corruption of that era extends far beyond just the awarding of the World Cup to Qatar, but football will be the winner in the end.

 

[Technics 1210]

Liberals' hypocrisy shows no bounds. These same footballers who are going to wear the rainbow captain's armbands during the world cup are the ones who play for clubs that are state owned by Qatar and Middle East. For these people, it is all about the money.

Yup, demonstrating the fact that the Liberal West has no values or principles. Which begs the question, what and why are they trying to enforce on others!?

 

[Suleiman]

Those of us who were non Qataris living in Qatar the time FIFA announced it as the host country for 2022, we knew it was a terrible idea.

Tiny country, terrible weather, and the government and the people don’t even attempt to treat migrant workers with even iota of respect a lot of the times. Whether it’s a school janitor, Baskin Robbins employee, or a freaking teacher in school. Latter 2 I’ve seen in front of me get disrespected like no tomorrow. Teacher was yelled at by a parent of one of my classmates who got detention for misbehaving.

Countless other accounts by regular middle class income people who were non Qataris, so you can imagine how poorly wage type workers were treated

Unfortunately there isn’t much you can do as a non Qatari in Qatar, even a non Qatari Arab is “lower” on the hierarchy vs a Qatari.

If you raised your voice you’d get deported probably.

Now the guy who announced Qatar as the venue years back finally says it was a bad idea lol.

 

[GLORY OF '92]

Qatar is a strong ally of Pakistan. Of course not perfect but our Army will be providing security and also lot of Pakistanis are involved in the Qatar government and legal system although this is not well known.

Much better that it's in Qatar and not UAE or KSA.

 

[James]

A Qatar World Cup ambassador calling homosexuality "damage in the mind" is "harmful and unacceptable", says Human Rights Watch.

Former Qatar international Khalid Salman told German broadcaster ZDF that LGBTQ+ people attending the tournament should "accept our rules".

Homosexuality is illegal in Qatar because it is considered immoral under Islamic Sharia law.

Salman said: "[Homosexuality] is haram. You know what haram [forbidden] means?"

When asked why it was haram, he added: "I am not a strict Muslim but why is it haram? Because it is damage in the mind."

The interview, which is part of a documentary set to be broadcast on Tuesday, was then stopped by an accompanying official.

Rasha Younes, LGBT rights senior researcher at Human Rights Watch, said: "Salman's suggestion that same-sex attraction is 'damage in the mind' is harmful and unacceptable.

"The failure of the Qatari government to counter this false information has a significant impact on the lives of LGBT residents of Qatar, ranging from fuelling discrimination and violence against them to justifying subjecting them to state-sponsored conversion practices."

There is concern about how LGBTQ+ people are treated in Qatar, where same-sex relationships and the promotion of same-sex relationships are criminalised, with punishments ranging from fines to the death sentence.

The host country's World Cup organisers have stated "everyone is welcome" to visit the country to watch the matches and claimed no-one will be discriminated against.

However, Qatar 2022 chief executive Nasser al Khater has said the government would not change its laws on homosexuality, requesting visitors "respect our culture".

The Gulf State, where the World Cup will take place from 20 November to 18 December, has also been criticised for its human rights record and treatment of migrant workers.

Fifa recently wrote to competing nations asking them to "now focus on the football" instead of the competition's controversial build-up.

The letter, which was signed by Fifa president Gianni Infantino, was criticised by Human Rights Watch, Amnesty International and LGBTQ+ campaigners in England and Wales, while 10 European football associations - including those of England and Wales - said "human rights are universal and apply everywhere".

However, Conmebol, the South American football confederation, says it is "time to leave controversies behind".

LGBTQ+ campaign group All Out called on Fifa to "end the silence and hypocrisy" following Salman's comments.

At a protest outside Fifa's museum in Zurich, a spokesperson from All Out said: "This comes days after All Out and others have presented testimony from LGBT+ Qataris of abduction, detention without trial, torture and conversion practices taking place in recent weeks.

"But Fifa president Infantino is still saying that everyone will be welcome at the World Cup.

"With just two weeks to go until the football starts, it is time for Fifa to stop looking away and take responsibility.

"It is time for Fifa to end the silence and hypocrisy. It is finally time for human rights to be put ahead of greed. The world is watching."

Human Rights Watch recently released a report saying that Qatari security forces are continuing to arrest citizens who are gay, lesbian, and transgender, sometimes forcing them to undergo conversion therapy.

Qatar's government has said the report contains false allegations.

LGBTQ+ charity Stonewall's director of communications and external affairs Robbie de Santos said human rights were being "disregarded and disrespected".

Speaking to BBC World Service's Sport Today, he added: "It's surprising and disappointing the Qatar authorities have given assurances to the United Nations and other multilateral bodies about respecting human rights during the tournament and making commitments to social progress, and what we're seeing is those commitments are not being kept on with.

"That's why it's so important that all of us are listening globally and following the tournament and knowing that football really is everyone's game, that we all speak."

BBC Sport has contacted Fifa and the World Cup organising committee for comment.

And on this one rumbles…

 

[SM1989]

If by human rights they mean a ban on gay and lesbian relations then FIFA knew about this before choosing it as a venue. They also were fully aware of how much of the Middle East has been constructed by labourers treated as slaves from the subcontinent. Now just get on with it by getting the football started.

LGBT isn't celebrated in Russia either. No one kicked up a fuss then.

 

[SM1989]

That’s rather literal of you. Discrimination on the grounds of sexuality is the same as discrimination in n grounds of race. Both are based on fear of something different.

Race is a real identity. Basing identities on sexual preferences is artificial and unheard of for the bulk of human history. What next? Are we going to start identifying by our food preferences and make that into an identity over which we do politics?

 

[James]

Stick to the topic about human rights in Qatar.

 

[Robert]

Race is a real identity. Basing identities on sexual preferences is artificial and unheard of for the bulk of human history. What next? Are we going to start identifying by our food preferences and make that into an identity over which we do politics?

Actually race is a fairly recent cultural invention.

Whereas homosexuality is as old as the hills. The Spartans of Ancient Greece were encouraged to be gay as it improved army unit cohesion

 

[Robert]

Liberals' hypocrisy shows no bounds. These same footballers who are going to wear the rainbow captain's armbands during the world cup are the ones who play for clubs that are state owned by Qatar and Middle East. For these people, it is all about the money.

Strange comment. Those clubs don’t allow homophobia under European law.

So surely the Gulf and ME owners are being hypocritical, if they are good Muslims?

 

[The_KING]

Im inclined to agree here. There will be 3-4 games per day, players from all over the globe will be in the shop window and eager to impress, and the tackles will be flying in not the mention the goals. People will soon forget about their prior misgivings. Qatar was a bit of an unusual choice to host the tournament for numerous reasons and FIFA’s corruption of that era extends far beyond just the awarding of the World Cup to Qatar, but football will be the winner in the end.

I wasn't in favour of Qatar getting to host the world cup because of the fact that it would mess up the entire domestic season.

But now the world cup is happening in Qatar, I have no issues with it. We have had world cups in Europe, Africa, North America, South America. Why can't we have one in the Middle East? Because they have different values and culture?

 

[The_KING]

Yup, demonstrating the fact that the Liberal West has no values or principles. Which begs the question, what and why are they trying to enforce on others!?

West wants to control the world. They want to impose their values on other people. In their entitled minds, their beliefs and values are the best.

 

[Cpt. Rishwat]

Actually race is a fairly recent cultural invention.

Whereas homosexuality is as old as the hills. The Spartans of Ancient Greece were encouraged to be gay as it improved army unit cohesion

Or maybe they resorted to homosexuality because in a patriarchal society they were too sexist to allow women into their fighting ranks. Perhaps the gay antics were due to lack of options similar to what you might find in prison.

 

[Robert]

Muslim countries won't legalize or normalize the same sex marriage because they take their religion seriously unlike Jews and Christians.

You can keep your liberalism, but don't try to force it on others.

I can’t speak on Judaism, as I don’t know much about it, but the only Christians who oppose same sex marriage are considered reactionary old medievalists.

Wearing a rainbow armband is not applying “force”.

 

[Robert]

Or maybe they resorted to homosexuality because in a patriarchal society they were too sexist to allow women into their fighting ranks. Perhaps the gay antics were due to lack of options similar to what you might find in prison.

No, that doesn’t work. Spartan troops had wives and state prostitution. Patriarchy suppresses homosexuality. In Greek mythology, remember the story of Zeus and Ganymede. So the top god in their pantheon was gay sometimes.

Further back in Mesopotamia, gay sex was a religious sacrament.

 

[Cpt. Rishwat]

No, that doesn’t work. Spartan troops had wives and state prostitution. Patriarchy suppresses homosexuality. In Greek mythology, remember the story of Zeus and Ganymede. So the top god in their pantheon was gay sometimes.

Further back in Mesopotamia, gay sex was a religious sacrament.

It's strange though that even in this day and age, our heroes can't be seen as gay. Who is the biggest and most iconic British hero if not James Bond? He has been portrayed as a dashing womaniser across continents. Will we ever see a similar British (white) hero who will be seen biting the pillow in order to obtain secrets from the enemy in Russia for example?

 

[GLORY OF '92]

Yeah no matter how much the west tries the normalise homosexuality the rest of the world won't have it. The West's decadence has cost it badly and the East will supercede the west within the next 50 years.

 

[PakLFC]

LGBT isn't celebrated in Russia either. No one kicked up a fuss then.

Many orthodox Christians and Jews don't support such relationships and neither do I. There is no problem in Qatar banning and opposing such relations whatsoever that is natural in a majority Muslim country. I do not see this law as being an attack on human rights at all rather it is the slave labour of workers from the subcontinent that is the problem. The west has to accept that many people despise homosexuality. FIFA knew this fine well when awarding Qatar the tournament.

 

[Browncaps]

Qatar should never have got the World Cup. It's like playing cricket and rugby with apartheid SA. But money rules FIFA.

Qatar like the UAE offers a superior quality of life compared to the UK where people especially women are not safe on the streets. The safety in these Gulf countries is unmatched and Western countries can only dream of matching it. Feel free to speak to white British citizens who live in the Gulf to verify this, they often tend to be honest about these matters.

All day long, irrespective of the time, the newspapers in the UK illustrate their racism by complaining about how evil immigration is and it has destroyed the fabric of the country, the hatred is scary and unrelenting to say the least. What makes it worse is not everyone is dying to stay in the UK, some people are there to study/work and then leave, but such is the hatred infested in some peoples hearts that they enforce their outdated mentality about others due to the colour of their skin on said people all the while the UK itself allows foreign people in its own country out of its own free will to reap various benefits from the same. There are newspapers who only exist to foment hatred and make life harder for immigrants in the UK, the vats majority of people in comments sections openly celebrate and support the racism and open hatred in particular for some ethnicities and religions.

I have seen videos of daylight criminal attacks on occupants in expensive cars in some of Londons most expensive streets.

This in addition to the fact that the UK created famines and massacres in other parts of the world which it illegally invaded that led to millions of deaths.

Some of the biggest unresolved issues in the world were created and to this day exist because of the UK, such as Kashmir and Palestine issue. To top it off the hypocrites who run the UK openly support the mauling of Palestinian women and children and proudly say they are Zionists to rub in to the occupied victims for well over 50 years. Not to mention there has never been an apology for the crimes of Israel that the Uk enabled, but then again how dare I even mention this, the apology is not even crossing their minds.

Also, the UK curriculum never accepts its faults or the damage its colonialism caused to most of the world to ensure no one ever feels bad there, but instead the locals should celebrate colonialism as a badge of honour. The hypocrisy from a ''developed'' country is mind boggling.

 

[Robert]

Qatar like the UAE offers a superior quality of life compared to the UK where people especially women are not safe on the streets. The safety in these Gulf countries is unmatched and Western countries can only dream of matching it. Feel free to speak to white British citizens who live in the Gulf to verify this, they often tend to be honest about these matters.

All day long, irrespective of the time, the newspapers in the UK illustrate their racism by complaining about how evil immigration is and it has destroyed the fabric of the country, the hatred is scary and unrelenting to say the least. What makes it worse is not everyone is dying to stay in the UK, some people are there to study/work and then leave, but such is the hatred infested in some peoples hearts that they enforce their outdated mentality about others due to the colour of their skin on said people all the while the UK itself allows foreign people in its own country out of its own free will to reap various benefits from the same. There are newspapers who only exist to foment hatred and make life harder for immigrants in the UK, the vats majority of people in comments sections openly celebrate and support the racism and open hatred in particular for some ethnicities and religions.

I have seen videos of daylight criminal attacks on occupants in expensive cars in some of Londons most expensive streets.

This in addition to the fact that the UK created famines and massacres in other parts of the world which it illegally invaded that led to millions of deaths.

Some of the biggest unresolved issues in the world were created and to this day exist because of the UK, such as Kashmir and Palestine issue. To top it off the hypocrites who run the UK openly support the mauling of Palestinian women and children and proudly say they are Zionists to rub in to the occupied victims for well over 50 years. Not to mention there has never been an apology for the crimes of Israel that the Uk enabled, but then again how dare I even mention this, the apology is not even crossing their minds.

Also, the UK curriculum never accepts its faults or the damage its colonialism caused to most of the world to ensure no one ever feels bad there, but instead the locals should celebrate colonialism as a badge of honour. The hypocrisy from a ''developed'' country is mind boggling.

This seems to be a rant against UK history. I don’t see what all this has to do with human rights abuses happening right now in Qatar as per the OP.

 

[Robert]

West wants to control the world. They want to impose their values on other people. In their entitled minds, their beliefs and values are the best.

As did the Caliphates in their era on conquest. As did the Soviet Union. As does Putin today. As will China over the coming decades.

 

[James]

West wants to control the world. They want to impose their values on other people. In their entitled minds, their beliefs and values are the best.

tbf this is how empire and “civilisation” works bro. It isn’t at all limited to western civilisation.

 

[DeadlyVenom]

I was really disappointed with the comments of the Qatari world cup ambassador. Especially with the tournament being so close to starting.

However, the ME is badly misrepresented in British media. I've travelled in Qatar extensively and while it becomes quite a boring place, it is a very welcoming and diverse place.

Gay fans are safe to visit, nobody is going to bug their hotel rooms.

They are in a similar position to unmarried couples or couples having extra maritial affairs - an issue that probably affects footballers more!

Qatar is a place where even public affection between married couples is frowned upon. If people observe this simple rule regarding public displays of affection they will have the time of their lives.

The footballers should go and kick a ball and come home when they lose. End of story.

Otherwise we may have muslim/african footballers wearing armbands at the next european WC demanding extra rights for those who want multiple wives

 

[MenInG]

Let stay on topic - close to football.

 

[Robert]

Going back to the OP, how should footballers treat the human rights abuses in Qatar?

The gay oppression is only one factor.

Qatar is a monarchy where the Emir is very powerful and there are limited elections.

Workers cannot change jobs without employer permission.

Amnesty International report that some workers had to falsely claim they were being paid in order to quality for passports.

 

[RexRex]

Going back to the OP, how should footballers treat the human rights abuses in Qatar?

The gay oppression is only one factor.

What do you want footballers to do ?

 

[sweep_shot]

They do not complain when other countries with questionable human rights host events.

But, when a Muslim country like Qatar is hosting an event, they all go crazy.

This is hidden Islamophobia. Nothing else.

 

[The_KING]

They do not complain when other countries with questionable human rights host events.

But, when a Muslim country like Qatar is hosting an event, they all go crazy.

This is hidden Islamophobia. Nothing else.

This. They didn’t say a word when Russia hosted it four years ago, and Russia have anti gay laws too. But all of a sudden, a Muslim country hosts it and everyone is in uproar. Definite Islamophobia.

 

[James]

They do not complain when other countries with questionable human rights host events.

But, when a Muslim country like Qatar is hosting an event, they all go crazy.

This is hidden Islamophobia. Nothing else.

This. They didn’t say a word when Russia hosted it four years ago, and Russia have anti gay laws too. But all of a sudden, a Muslim country hosts it and everyone is in uproar. Definite Islamophobia.

<I>As with the 2014 Winter Olympics, the choice of Russia as host of the 2018 FIFA World Cup had been challenged. Controversial issues have included the level of racism in Russian football and the discrimination against LGBT people in wider Russian society. Russia's involvement in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine has also caused calls for the tournament to be moved, particularly following the annexation of Crimea and support of separatists in War in Donbas. The then FIFA President Sepp Blatter declined requests for the tournament to be moved.

The 2015 allegations and criminal investigations of corruption, including a Swiss inquiry into the bidding process for the 2018 World Cup, intensified the public discussion of the appropriateness of Russia as the World Cup venue. In late May 2015, Russia's president Vladimir Putin said that he viewed the corruption investigations as an attempt by the U.S. to oust Sepp Blatter from his post as punishment for his support of Russia as host for the 2018 World Cup.</I>

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_2018_FIFA_World_Cup_controversies

 

[Technics 1210]

<I>As with the 2014 Winter Olympics, the choice of Russia as host of the 2018 FIFA World Cup had been challenged. Controversial issues have included the level of racism in Russian football and the discrimination against LGBT people in wider Russian society. Russia's involvement in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine has also caused calls for the tournament to be moved, particularly following the annexation of Crimea and support of separatists in War in Donbas. The then FIFA President Sepp Blatter declined requests for the tournament to be moved.

The 2015 allegations and criminal investigations of corruption, including a Swiss inquiry into the bidding process for the 2018 World Cup, intensified the public discussion of the appropriateness of Russia as the World Cup venue. In late May 2015, Russia's president Vladimir Putin said that he viewed the corruption investigations as an attempt by the U.S. to oust Sepp Blatter from his post as punishment for his support of Russia as host for the 2018 World Cup.</I>

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_2018_FIFA_World_Cup_controversies

This was all very much behind the scenes; and I do not remember news channels covering this news, or even social media, or footballers calling for boycott or talking about wearing rainbow flags/bands.

France is not showing 2022 World Cup games in protest, did the same happen in 2018?

 

[Robert]

What do you want footballers to do ?

Stay at home.

But money usually (not always) wins.

 

[Robert]

They do not complain when other countries with questionable human rights host events.

But, when a Muslim country like Qatar is hosting an event, they all go crazy.

This is hidden Islamophobia. Nothing else.

Simply untrue.

"They" did complain about Russia 2018 - about the shooting down of Malasia Flight 17, the invasion of Crimea, the stadium monkey chants, petitions by US Senators against LGBT oppression, attempts by FIFA's Sepp Blatter and UK Deputy PM Nick Clegg to get the tournament moved.