After raising the topic of migrant workers’ rights, Qatar’s World Cup chief executive Nasser Al Khater advised Gareth Southgate to “choose his words very carefully.”
Earlier this week, England manager Gareth Southgate stated that he and his players can utilize their voices in a positive way at the tournament by addressing human rights concerns such as women’s rights and Qatar’s treatment of the LGBTQ+ population.
According to the Guardian, 6,500 migrant workers have died in Qatar since the country was awarded the World Cup, and Amnesty International reports that women and LGBTI people continue to endure discrimination in both law and practice.
“”No country is flawless,”” Al Khater fumed to Sky Sports, “”so if someone comes and claims they are a great country, they need to truly look at themselves.””
“”Is he basing his public words and beliefs on what he’s read?”” Because it’s a problem when you form an opinion that you’re really vocal about based only on what you’ve read.
“”Someone with a lot of clouts, like Southgate, who has a large audience that pays attention to what he says, has to be very careful with his words before making pronouncements like that.””
“”Has he visited Qatar? Is there anyone from England here? I’m looking forward to welcoming him here and meeting him at the draw on Friday.”” He can listen to my point of view; he doesn’t have to agree with it, but he does need to go that far in order to comprehend diverse points of view and cultures.””
Including: “”We have the same norms whether we are a gay couple or a heterosexual couple, so all we ask is that people be courteous, just as we are when we travel around the world and observe cultural differences.
“”It simply means that public displays of affection are frowned upon.””
“”Some religious and cultural things will be very tough to change,”” Southgate added, “”but there is an opportunity to utilize our voices in a positive way.”” The human rights problems were overwhelming to me, but I’m very clear about the areas of concern with this event. Workers’ rights and working conditions have long been a source of concern.
“”Then there are the problems that may pose a threat to our supporters when they are on the road: women’s rights and LGBTQ+ rights.””
“”Unfortunately, based on chats I’ve had, I don’t believe some of those communities will go, which is a real shame.””
