‘Not perfect’: Qatar World Cup officials respond to Socceroos’ World Cup video protest

The Socceroos made worldwide headlines with their views on Qatar’s human rights record and now the World Cup hosts have responded.

Qatar’s FIFA World Cup organising committee commended the Socceroos for raising “important matters” in an orchestrated release of videos by players on Thursday but defended the nation’s efforts to improve the rights and lives of workers.

Sixteen members of the Australian national team, one of 32 sides competing at next month’s tournament, appeared in a video voicing concerns about Qatar’s human rights record and calling for further worker reforms as well as the decriminalisation of same-sex relationships.

Supported by similar statements from Football Australia and Professional Footballers Australia, the video, which made the Socceroos the first participant to collectively criticise the host nation, drew international headlines and a response from officials.

A spokesman for Qatar’s organising committee declared their priority was “protecting the health, safety, security, and dignity of every worker” but conceded no county, not even Australia, was “perfect” in that area.

“We commend footballers using their platforms to raise awareness for important matters,” the spokesman said in a statement.

“We have committed every effort to ensure that this World Cup has had a transformative impact on improving lives, especially for those involved in constructing the competition and non-competition venues we’re responsible for.

A message from the Socceroos. pic.twitter.com/Sd2R6ej8kK

— Socceroos (@Socceroos) October 26, 2022

“Protecting the health, safety, security, and dignity of every worker contributing to this World Cup is our priority.

“The Qatari government’s labour reforms are acknowledged by the ILO, ITUC, and numerous human rights organisations as the benchmark in the region.

“New laws and reforms often take time to bed in, and robust implementation of labour laws is a global challenge, including in Australia.

“No country is perfect, and every country – hosts of major events or not – has its challenges.

“This World Cup has contributed to a legacy of progress, better practice and improving lives – and it’s a legacy that will live long after the final ball is kicked.”

Before making the statement, the Australian players spoke to labour organisations, including some workers who helped build the stadiums to be used at the World Cup, and advocacy groups such as Amnesty International.

“Over the last two years, we have been on a journey to understand and know more about the situation in Qatar,” Socceroos captain Mat Ryan said in the video that went viral.

Over the last few years, we have been on a journey to understand and learn more about the situation in Qatar. https://t.co/AQ5z3Z2bgL

— Socceroos (@Socceroos) October 26, 2022

FA also released a statement that was critical of Qatar’s human rights record, albeit stopping short of boycotting the tournament.

“We acknowledge the significant progress and legislative reforms (that) have occurred in Qatar over recent years to recognise and protect the rights of workers, and we encourage all stakeholders to continue this path to reform,” it said.

“However, we have also learned that the tournament has been associated with suffering for some migrant workers and their families and this cannot be ignored.”

Captains from leading European football nations, including England, France and Germany, plan to wear yet-to-be approved armbands with rainbow colours and the message “One Love” in an anti-discrimination campaign during the tournament.