The question of human rights should not be overlooked at the time of the World Cup in Qatar according to certain German politicians.
The Social Democratic Party (SPD) of German Chancellor Olaf Scholz expects the German Football Federation (DFB) to take a stand on the question of human rights in Qatar, on the occasion of the World Cup this winter (21 November-18 December).
«The World Cup is about to take place. I also think that Germany should participate“, declared the secretary general of the SPD Lars Klingbeil on Tuesday, considering however that”it should not take place in a vacuum.» «We must also put on the table political, social and all related issues. And that’s what I expect from the DFB“, he explained to the sports agency SID, a subsidiary of AFP.
In the wake of criticism from human rights NGOs against Qatar, the subject is now hotly debated in Germany. Last week, the organizations Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International made presentations to the players of the national team, gathered for two preparation matches (against Israel on Saturday 2-0, and in the Netherlands on Tuesday evening). “I find it very important to take an interest in these themes.», underlined the new president of the Federation Bernd Neuendorf.
Basically, I consider that it is essential, in the future, to define before the attribution of the world cups solid criteria, to which it will be necessary to be held.
Philipp Lahm
On Monday, the former world champion and organizer of Euro-2024 Philipp Lahm had once again criticized the awarding of the World Cup to Qatar. “No (this decision) should not have been made“, he said. “Basically, I consider that it is essential, in the future, to define before the attribution of the world cups solid criteria, to which it will be necessary to hold“, he pleaded.
The joint awarding of the 2018 and 2022 Worlds to Russia and Qatar has since sparked countless controversies, including suspicions of vote buying.