Football Australia's purpose is to bring communities together through football and our participation at this year's FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022TM is no exception.
Football Australia has a responsibility to equitably represent our fans, our players, and our football family. We are proud to be the most multi-cultural, diverse, and inclusive sport in Australia.
Our representation at the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022TM gives us the opportunity to raise awareness of some important matters and help affect change globally and domestically.
Football Australia, in collaboration with Professional Footballers Australia (PFA), representing the Australian Men's National Team, the Socceroos, has been engaged in a process of education and dialogue to gather information on the situation regarding the advancement of human rights and workers' welfare in connection with the hosting of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022TM.
In the lead up to the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022TM, Football Australia and the PFA, engaged and undertook extensive consultation with stakeholders including FIFA, FIFPRO (the international body representing players), International Labour Organisation, Amnesty International, Builders and Woodworkers International, the International Trade Union Confederation and the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy about the situation in Qatar.
We acknowledge the significant progress and legislative reforms have occurred in Qatar over recent years to recognise and protect the rights of workers, and we encourage all stakeholders to continue this path to reform.
However, we have also learned that the tournament has been associated with suffering for some migrant workers and their families.
We believe that by working closely with these stakeholders, we can help promote a legacy beyond the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022TM. With this in mind, Football Australia, together with the Socceroos and Professional Footballers Australia, support the establishment of a Migrant Workers Centre that will continue to represent the rights of the workers beyond December 2022.
Football Australia has also been working closely with LGBTI+ communities to continue strengthening our inclusive and welcoming environment in our game throughout Australia.
As the most multicultural, diverse, and inclusive sport in our country, we believe everyone should be able to feel safe and be their true authentic selves. Whilst we acknowledge the highest levels of assurances given by HH Amir of Qatar and the President of FIFA that LGBTI+ fans will be safely welcomed in Qatar, we hope that this openness can continue beyond the tournament.
