England FA urges compensation for migrant workers in Qatar

The England FA called on FIFA and Qatar to compensate migrant workers, and their families, injured or killed in World Cup preparations. Over the last several years, Qatar faced harsh criticism for his treatment of workers building stadiums.

“We continue to push for the principle of compensation for the families of migrant workers who have lost their lives or have been injured in construction projects,” claimed FA chief executive Mark Bullingham.”

“Again, we are pushing FIFA for an update on the compensation fund which has been consistently referenced as a safety net where workers and their families have been unable to secure compensation from the construction companies.”

The FA joins Amnesty International, FairSquare, and Human Rights Watch in the attempt to help these workers. The three organizations previously called on World Cup sponsors to join the fight.  In May, Amnesty International urged FIFA to set aside a minimum of $440 million in compensation for human rights issues.

According to The Guardian, over 6,500 migrant workers died in construction for the World Cup since Qatar won the hosting honor.

England not alone in supporting migrant workers in Qatar

World Cup participants Denmark also quickly became harsh critics of the situation in Qatar. The Danish Football Union declared that players will wear training shirts with messages supporting human rights throughout the tournament. This is apparently one of many steps the Danes will take to bring attention to the issue.

Denmark will also not be involved in any commercial campaigns for the World Cup. Team officials are making the trip as minimal as possible as well. They will only participate in actives inside Qatar that benefit conditions for these migrant workers.

Along with issues regarding migrant workers, Denmark, along with eight other nations, have also announced that their captain will wear special armbands for the World Cup. The OneLove armbands are to help promote diversity and inclusion. Homosexuality is currently criminalized in Qatar.

World Cup captains are pushing for teams to wear rainbow armbands in Qatar, where homosexual acts are illegal

The armbands "will send a clear message when the world is watching,” says England captain Harry Kane https://t.co/4IGTM7Y5po pic.twitter.com/tnCREwylsJ

— Bloomberg UK (@BloombergUK) September 21, 2022

England captain Harry Kane spoke on the decision to wear the armbands on Wednesday. “I am honored to join my fellow national team captains in supporting the important OneLove campaign,” proclaimed Kane. “As captains we may all be competing against each other on the pitch, but we stand together against all forms of discrimination. This is even more relevant at a time when division is common in society.”

“Wearing the armband together on behalf of our teams will send a clear message when the world is watching.”

Kane will first wear the armband on Friday, as England face Italy in a Nations League matchup.

PHOTO: Imago / PA Images