Amnesty International would ‘be extremely pleased’ if England players protest Qatar World Cup

Throughout the international break a clutch of players have highlighted human rights issues around the forthcoming World Cup

England players have not made a pre-match protest similar to that of their German counterparts (The FA via Getty Images)

Amnesty International believes it is important football uses its influence to put pressure on Qatar’s authorities regarding labour reforms ahead of the 2022 World Cup and hopes England’s players join the growing protests.

Players from Germany, Holland and Norway have already raised the issue at a number of World Cup qualifiers and there is an increasing focus on Gareth Southgate’s side to follow suit.

“England players will obviously be guided by their own consciences, but if they end up following the lead of German, Dutch and Norwegian players we’d be extremely pleased to see that,” said Kate Allen, director of Amnesty International UK.

“Harry Kane and the England squad can read the numerous media reports about exploited migrant workers in Qatar and quickly see there’s a very serious problem.

“It’s really important that FIFA, the FA, and individual teams and players use their influence to keep pressing the Qatari authorities to follow through on promised labour reforms.

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“Football likes to see itself as a force for good in the world, and with Qatar 2022 there’s a real chance for elite football to make its mark.

“Without the two million migrants who’ve been building the stadiums, the roads and the wider infrastructure, Qatar simply wouldn’t be staging this World Cup and we need to see a legacy of genuine, durable labour reforms when it’s all over.”

PA