New Delhi: Qatar has been in controversy for human rights violations and exploitation of workers during the construction of the stadiums for the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2022. Now, the Australian team has issued a statement condemning Qatar and the authorities for the same. With this, Australia has become the first participating football team to criticise the hosts collectively.

Football Australia issued a statement with a short video clip featuring 16 players. It said that the reported exploitation of migrant workers could not be ignored, and urged the host nation to legalise same-sex marriage. Same-sex marriage being illegal in Qatar has been another issue which drew the attention of many footballers.

A message from our @Socceroos on the @FIFAWorldCup #SupportingThePlayers pic.twitter.com/bUqW2pne1w

— Professional Footballers Australia (@thepfa) October 26, 2022

Football Australia and the players also stated that the reports from Amnesty and FIFA have shown the violation of workers’ rights in Qatar. The team also acknowledged that there have been reforms and steps to improve the condition of workers’ rights in the country but there is a need for further improvement. The players also encouraged the authorities to work for a changing the conditions in the country. They also stated football to be the “most multicultural, diverse and inclusive sport.”

Denmark’s team also stated last month that the players will be using a black kit to mourn the deaths of the migrant workers in Qatar. Also, the captains of England, Germany and defending champions France will be wearing rainbow-coloured armbands for their anti-discrimination campaign.

The tournament will begin on November 20 with Qatar facing Ecuador at the Al Bayt Stadium. 32 teams divided into eight groups are participating in the FIFA World Cup.