November 21, 2022
Cited article by Amnesty International
HRRC urges FIFA to rescind its threats to sanction players who choose to support human rights and equality. Major sporting events like the World Cup provide impactful messages to those watching around the globe. It is the responsibility of organizations like FIFA to allow and protect players who willing to use their positions of influence in support of those at risk of having their rights violated.
Article Summary
Many players going into the FIFA World Cup had planned to wear 'One Love' armbands in support of the LGBTQ+ community. However, at the last minute, FIFA has threatened to sanction players and teams who choose to wear messaging in support of human rights and equality. Agreements on attire and how the sporting event can better address and support the continuous human rights concerns should have been addressed long ago.
Not only are there current concerns regarding support for the LGBTQ+ community, but also concerns regarding the work of migrant workers in preparation for the World Cup and improper compensation. Iran's team refused to sing their national anthem at their game, sending a very strong message to viewers about Qatar's ongoing rights violations. Sporting events do not occur in a vacuum and spectators world-wide are watching both how the teams choose to act and how FIFA chooses to respond.