The United States and the Netherlands have announced they'll be among teams making protests about the human rights record of host Qatar at the FIFA men's World Cup which begins next week.
Adel Ahmed Mallala during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Final Draw. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
The US squad will show their support for the LGBTQ community by way of a rainbow-themed team logo inside their training facility and media workroom.
Meanwhile, the shirts worn by the Netherlands team during the tournament will be auctioned to support migrant workers in Qatar, the Dutch Football Association (KNVB).
Same-sex relationships are illegal in Qatar which is hosting the tournament starting on Sunday.
The US design features seven rainbow-colored vertical stripes below "USA" in dark blue letters and is part of the "Be The Change" initiative the team adopted in 2020 with the goal of inspiring action on social justice issues.
"When we are on the world stage and when we are in a venue like Qatar, it is important to bring awareness to these issues and that is what 'Be the Change' is about," US men's national team coach Gregg Berhalter told a news conference.
"It is not just stateside that we want to bring attention to social issues, it is also abroad. We recognise that Qatar has made strides and there has been a ton of progress but there's some work still to do."
Organisers of the World Cup, which is the first to be held in a Middle Eastern nation, say that everyone, no matter their sexual orientation or background, is welcome, while also warning against public displays of affection.
Soccer players have raised concerns over the rights of fans travelling to the Nov. 20-Dec. 18 World Cup, especially LGBTQ individuals and women, whom rights groups say Qatari laws discriminate against.
"We are a group who believes in inclusivity and we will continue to project that message going forward," said U.S. goalkeeper Sean Johnson.
"We have chatted and continue to have discussions as we lead into the games. We have leaned on the message of 'Be the Change'.
"That is something that we have been proud of and continue to work towards, be impactful with ourselves, our presence and our platform, and we will continue to be so here in Qatar."
The rainbow badge, which will not be worn by the team during World Cup games, has been routinely displayed by US Soccer no matter the occasion as a way to promote a spirit of inclusivity.
DUTCH PROTEST
The Dutch KNVB is one of the few football associations to criticise human rights and working conditions in Qatar, where migrant workers and foreigners make up the majority of the 2.8 million population.
After consultation with the players, the KNVB has decided the proceeds from the online auction will be used to improve the situation of migrant workers, the KNVB said on its website.
"It has not escaped anyone's notice that facilitating the tournament has had a huge impact on migrant workers in Qatar," Dutch captain Virgil van Dijk said.
"They have worked on stadiums, infrastructure and hotel accommodation under very harsh conditions. We will remember that during all our activities there. It is clear to everyone that those conditions really need to improve."
"We hope that our presence will contribute to the changes currently underway," Van Dijk added.
"Much has already been done from the boardrooms to improve the situation of migrant workers. But we also want to make a concrete contribution from the dressing room."
The Netherlands team will also take time in Qatar to meet a group of about 20 migrants to talk about their working conditions and to give them the opportunity to join in the squad training. (Reporting by Anita Kobylinska in Gdansk, editing by Ed Osmond)
- Reuters