The expressions of Nasser Al-Kather, spokesperson for the organization of the tournament, in the sense that whoever wears the symbols will risk a long prison term, disturb the planet. However, the entity that governs football on a global level guarantees the conditions for freedom of expression, an aspect generally limited in Arab countries: “The rainbow and other colors of sexual identity on flags are allowed”.
The importance of the World Cup far exceeds what happens on the playing field. Literally, the planet is paralyzed for a month. Usually it is an opportunity to put the latest technological advances to the test and, above all, for the hosts to show in front of millions of people the particularities that have made them holders of the privilege of organizing one of the more important. parties. This last consideration is the one that in the case of Qatar, which will receive the tournament which will begin in November, for which Chile is still struggling to qualify administratively, due to the Byron Castillo affair, attracts the most attention.
It goes without saying, because of the economic power of the Arab country, that resources will not be lacking. Moreover, a tournament full of luxuries is expected. However, already in the construction of the enclosures there was controversy due to the conditions in which the work is carried out. Formally, Amnesty International has denounced abuses in this sense. “Migrants from Bangladesh, India and Nepal working on renovating the iconic Khalifa Stadium and landscaping surrounding sports facilities and green spaces, the so-called Aspire Zone, are exploited. Some are subjected to forced labor. They cannot change jobs, they cannot leave the country and they often have to wait months to receive their salary. Meanwhile, football’s international governing body FIFA, its sponsors and the construction companies involved are gearing up to reap huge economic benefits from the tournament. “, he exposed on his official platforms. In this context, the organization has asked both the entity chaired by Gianni Infantino and the sponsors to act “immediately” to protect migrant workers in this situation.
Now, the concern turns to another subject, just as relevant. The ban on sex outside marriage and the free expression of affection between people of the same sex has already been announced, in accordance with the conservative scale of values that governs the country . More precisely, even the local organizing committee announced that anyone who carried the LGBTI flag during the tournament would be sent to prison .
threat and reaction
“Anyone who carries the LGBTI flag at the World Cup will be arrested for 7 or 11 years. Qatar is an Islamic country and its religion must be respected,” said Nasser Al-Khater, spokesperson for the Qatar World Cup organizing committee, in an expression that adds to others of the same Some time ago, local authorities defined Qatari society asconservative and, in this sense, they considered that such practices would bebad views ”.
However, world football’s governing body insists on giving guarantees to those attending the event. “Both Fifa as host country representatives have repeatedly expressed their commitment to ensuring the safety of LGBTIQ+ people attending the FIFA World Cup “, answers Jock a spokesperson for the international federation.
“These safeguards include ensuring that law enforcement activities related to the FIFA World Cup™ are non-discriminatory and strictly necessary and proportionate. s”, insists the official version.
The measures are intended to be concrete. “This includes ensuring that symbols supporting LGBTIQ+ related causes can be displayed inside and outside stadiums. . Rainbow and other colors of gender identity in flags are permitted in all FIFA competitions and have been displayed at previous FIFA tournaments in Qatar.”
infant, restless
Infantino himself tried to show signs of calm, albeit in both directions. “It will be very welcome in Qatar”, but they must respect the local culture (…) if Qatar did not welcome everyone, it would not have organized the event”, expressed the coxswain of world football, in a press release which seeks to please both parties. “We train those responsible and let’s work hand in hand with the entities and the police and we will welcome everyone”, he added about the work that is carried out with the local authorities to, to a certain extent, encourage tolerance.
The Swiss even affirmed that he would settle in Doha to ensure respect for human rights, with regard to possible violations of the rights of workers, even if, of course, his influence can also extend to this domain. “I’m pitching my tent here in Doha, I’m going to live here and I’m going to go every day to see government officials and make sure these laws (reforms) are enforced, and if there are any violations committed “, he said on the sidelines of the Qatar Economic Forum.
“We protect human and labor rights as much as possible “, insisted the highest body of football. The doubt, precisely, remains as long as this margin prevails.
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Source: Latercera
I am Sandra Jackson, a journalist and content creator with extensive experience in the news industry. I have been working in the news media for over five years. During this time, I have worked as an author and editor at various outlets producing high-quality content that attracts readers from different demographics.
