Leading organizer of the Qatar World Cup, Hassan Al Thawadi, has accused Norwegian FA President Lise Klaveness of failing to educate herself on the country’s human rights record after she spoke at the FIFA Congress yesterday. Thursday in Doha.
Klaveness took to the stage at FIFA’s 72nd Congress to condemn the organization’s 2010 decision to award this year’s Gulf Nations before highlighting a range of issues including the treatment of workers immigration and LGBTQ+ concerns about coming to Qatar for the November finals.
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“In 2010, the World Cup was awarded by FIFA in unacceptable ways with unacceptable consequences,” Klaveness said.
“Human rights, equality, democracy, the core interests of football, weren’t included in the XI class that started until many years later. These basic rights have been pressured to be replaced, mainly because of the language. externally speaking FIFA has since addressed these issues, but there is still a long way to go.
“Injured migrant workers or the families of those killed during the preparations for the World Cup should be taken into account. FIFA, all of us, must now take all necessary measures to make this happen. change.
“There is no place for employers who fail to guarantee the freedom and safety of workers during the World Cup.
“There is no place for leaders who cannot host a women’s game. There is no place for hosts who cannot legally guarantee the safety and respect of LGBTQ+ people entering the theater of those this dream.”
Klaveness’ speech was soon followed by Jorge Salomon, president of the Honduras FA, whose brief speech included the statement that “this is not the place” to discuss such matters.
Thawadi, executive director of the Supreme Committee on the Distribution and Legacy of the World Cup, then used his platform to showcase the country’s actions, including the abolition of the kafala system. [a sponsorship which gives private citizens in several Arab Gulf countries almost total control over migrant workers’ employment and immigration status] and set a minimum wage for workers.
“Mr. President, you came to visit our country and did not ask for a meeting,” he said. “You did not attempt to contact us and did not attempt to engage in dialogue before addressing Congress today.
“I appeal to everyone, we are open to dialogue. We always welcome constructive criticism, feedback that is based on discussion, understanding and understanding. context of the problem as well as the course of events in reality.
“We will always keep the door open to anyone who wants to understand the issues, who wants to educate themselves before making any judgments.
“On that note, I would like to inform you, as well as the Norwegian Federation and anyone who has doubts about the legacy of this World Cup, that this World Cup is creating a legacy. We are creating a legacy. legacy before a ball is kicked The International Labor Organization has described Qatar’s reforms as historic.
“The International Federation of Trade Unions considers Qatar’s updated law to be the standard for the region. The International Timber and Construction Organization has compared safety standards across World Cup venues to par with those of the World Cup. standards in Europe or North America.
“Remember that some of the entities I mentioned were once our outspoken adversaries, but through taking the time to understand the complexities of the situation on the ground and through a shared commitment to improving life, those who were once adversaries have become allies and partners.”
