World Cup Teams Protest Host Country Qatar and Alleged Migrant Worker Abuse

World Cup Teams Protest Host Country Qatar and Alleged Migrant Worker Abuse

In an article entitled, “World Cup 2022: Denmark to wear ‘toned down’ jerseys in protest at hosts Qatar,” BBC Sport shares steps taken by Denmark’s national soccer team to shed light on Qatar’s history of human rights violations and emerging information about their treatment of migrant workers. Slated to wear “muted” versions of their jersey, free of any sponsored branding or iconography, the designer, Hummel, states that this is in part due to Denmark’s preference to deflect attention towards the thousands of alleged migrant workers who passed away while building Qatar’s World Cup stadiums and other infrastructure. “We believe that sports should bring people together, and when it doesn’t, we should make a statement,” argues Hummel, in response to embassy reports that 6500 migrant workers from India, Pakistan, Nepal, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka have died since the World Cup bid.  

Denmark isn’t the only team speaking out against the host nation. In response to Qatar’s strict anti-LGBTQIA laws, English Captain, Harry Kane is slated to wear a “OneLove” armband for the duration of the games as part of a campaign started in the Netherlands to promote inclusivity and diversity. Belgium, France, Germany, Norway, Sweden, Wales and Switzerland all support the initiative.