Footballers for change - 23rd November 2022

The men's World Cup matches have started in Qatar. But many people disagree with Qatar being the host. They're worried about human rights in Qatar. Some people think Qatar gave money to FIFA.

Many new buildings were built by foreign workers for the men's World Cup. But many of them died while working on the buildings. Human rights organisations said foreign workers need more protection.

In London, people went to protest outside the Qatari Embassy. They want Qatar to protect women, foreign workers and LGBTQ+ people.

Peter Tatchell doesn't think Qatar should host the men's World Cup.

Peter Tatchell: "Hosting a major sporting event is a privilege, not a right and with privileges comes obligations including the obligation to respect the principle of universal human rights enshrined by the United Nations. Qatar is in violation of those universal human rights principles and on those grounds alone, it is unfit to host the World Cup."

Qatar's laws don't protect LGBTQ+ people. It's illegal for them to live together or get married. They can go to prison for three years.

But many footballers and fans are LGBTQ+ and teams would like everyone to feel welcomed at the men's World Cup. Some football captains decided to wear rainbow armbands to show support for LGBTQ+ people. But FIFA said if they wear it, they might not be able to play. They'll give them a yellow card. Now, the England team will kneel at each match. They want equality.