FIFA has written to the teams competing in the World Cup, imploring them to keep their attention on soccer and not allow it to be drawn into ideological or political “battles” in Qatar.
The international soccer federation FIFA has written to World Cup teams, asking them to keep the tournament’s focus on soccer rather than allowing it to be used as a platform for ideological or political “battles.”
After several World Cup teams protested over problems ranging from LGBTIQ rights to the treatment of migrant workers, FIFA president Gianni Infantino and secretary general Fatma Samoura sent an open letter.
As the coach pleaded, “Please, let’s now focus on the football!” What Infantino and Samoura wrote in their open letter to all 32 World Cup teams was reported by Sky News.
“We are well aware that football is not apolitical and that there are numerous obstacles and difficulties of a political nature in many parts of the world.
However, football shouldn’t be used as a weapon in every political and ideological conflict.
World Cup looms
The World Cup, the first held in the Middle East, starts on 20 November as host nation Qatar faces Ecuador.
Australia’s soccer team last week spoke out against Qatar’s record on human rights and same-sex relationships.
Denmark’s players will travel to the World Cup without their families as a protest against the country’s human rights record, the Danish FA (DBU) told local media last month.
Football Australia confirmed the receipt of the letter from FIFA on Friday but declined further comment. Reuters also contacted the DBU for comment.
World Cup organizers have said that everyone, no matter their sexual orientation or background, is welcome, while also warning against public displays of affection.
Despite “gaps” in its labor system, Qatar has made improvements to worker rights in time for the World Cup.
“At FIFA, we aim to accept all perspectives and beliefs, without handing out moral lessons to the rest of the globe,” Infantino reportedly wrote in the letter obtained by Sky.
It’s been said that the world’s diversity is one of its greatest assets and that if inclusion means anything, it means appreciating and valuing that asset. There is no such thing as a “better” people, “better” culture, or “better” country.
“This is the cornerstone of equality and inclusion. That’s right, it’s also one of the game’s fundamental principles. Remember that, and let the football take center stage.
