‘Treat People with Decency’: Roy Keane Attacks Staging of World Cup in Qatar

THE GUARDIAN: ‘To dismiss human rights flippantly … it’s not right,’ says Keane / ITV pundit was discussing controversy over OneLove armbands

Roy Keane was outspoken in his condemnation of staging the World Cup in Qatar while appearing on ITV’s coverage. Photograph: ITV
Roy Keane has condemned Fifa’s decision to allow the World Cup to be hosted in Qatar, in view of the country’s human rights record and its treatment of migrant workers and LGBTQ+ people.

Speaking during ITV’s live coverage of Argentina v Saudi Arabia on Tuesday, the former Manchester United and Republic of Ireland midfielder summed up the ethical concerns felt by many regarding the controversial tournament. Same-sex relationships are illegal in Qatar, while thousands of workers are alleged to have died during the construction of the tournament stadiums and infrastructure.

“The World Cup shouldn’t be here. It shouldn’t be here,” Keane said. “The corruption, regarding Fifa, you’ve got a country, the way they treat migrant workers, gay people.” » | Luke McLaughlin | Tuesday, November 22, 2022

‘Very Frustrated’: England and Wales Back Down over OneLove Armband

THE GUARDIAN: Seven countries issue joint statement after warning from Fifa / They say players could be booked or forced to leave the pitch

England’s Harry Kane wearing the OneLove armband in September. Photograph: The FA/PA
England, Wales and five other European nations have confirmed they will not wear the OneLove armband at the World Cup in Qatar, saying Fifa made clear they would face sporting sanctions and that their captains could be booked or even forced to leave the pitch.

Belgium, Denmark, Germany, the Netherlands and Switzerland were the other countries that had planned to wear the rainbow armband in a country where same-sex relationships are illegal. Fifa has ordered all captains to wear armbands that promote other social messages.

A joint statement from the seven football federations said: “Fifa has been very clear that it will impose sporting sanctions if our captains wear the armbands on the field of play. As national federations, we can’t put our players in a position where they could face sporting sanctions including bookings, so we have asked the captains not to attempt to wear the armbands in Fifa World Cup games. » | David Hytner, Nick Ames and Sean Ingle in Doha | Monday, November 21, 2022