The English Football Association has called on FIFA and Qatar to compensate migrant workers and their families injured or killed in preparations for the World Cup. In recent years, Qatar has faced harsh criticism for its treatment of workers building stadiums.
“We continue to push for the principle of compensation for the families of migrant workers who have lost their lives or been injured on construction projects,” said FA chief executive Mark Bullingham.
“Again, we are pressing FIFA to update the compensation fund, which has been constantly mentioned as a safety net where workers and their families have not been able to get compensation from construction companies.”
The FA joins Amnesty International, FairSquare and Human Rights Watch in trying to help these workers. The three organizations previously called on World Cup sponsors to join the fight. In May, Amnesty International urged FIFA to set aside a minimum of $440 million in compensation for human rights issues.
According to The Guardian, more than 6,500 migrant workers have died in the construction of the World Cup since Qatar won the honor of hosting.
England is not alone in supporting migrant workers in Qatar
World Cup participants Denmark also quickly became harsh critics of the situation in Qatar. The Danish Football Union stated that players will wear training shirts with messages of support for human rights throughout the tournament. This is apparently one of many steps the Danes will take to draw attention to the issue.
Denmark will also not participate in any commercial campaign for the World Cup. Team officials are also keeping travel as minimal as possible. They will only participate in activities within Qatar that benefit the conditions of these migrant workers.
Along with the problems related to migrant workers, Denmark, along with eight other nations, also announced that their captain will wear special armbands for the World Cup. OneLove bracelets are to help promote diversity and inclusion. Homosexuality is currently criminalized in Qatar.
World Cup captains push for teams to wear rainbow armbands in Qatar, where homosexual acts are illegal
The armbands “will send a clear message when the world is watching,” says England captain Harry Kane https://t.co/4IGTM7Y5po pic.twitter.com/tnCREwylsJ
— Bloomberg UK (@BloombergUK) September 21, 2022
England captain Harry Kane spoke about the decision to wear the armbands on Wednesday. “I am honored to join my fellow national team captains in supporting the important OneLove campaign,” Kane proclaimed. “As captains, we can all compete with each other on the field, but we stand united against all forms of discrimination. This is even more relevant at a time when division is common in society.”
“Wearing the bracelet together on behalf of our teams will send a clear message when the world is watching.”
Kane will wear the armband for the first time on Friday, when England take on Italy in a Nations League match.
PHOTO: Imago/PA Images
