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DFB President Bernd Neuendorf
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Britta Pedersen / dpa
Despite the appeal by Fifa President Gianni Infantino, the German Football Association (DFB) wants to get involved in the human rights debate about host Qatar during the World Cup.
"Fifa has repeatedly committed to providing concrete answers to these issues - a compensation fund for guest workers and the concept of a guest worker center to be set up in Doha - and we will continue to push for these to be delivered," wrote the DFB in a statement along with nine other European nations.
"Let's concentrate on football," Infantino wrote in a letter to the associations of the 32 World Cup participants during the week: "Please don't allow football to be drawn into every political and ideological struggle."
DFB wants to »support impulses for progressive change«
Nevertheless, "impulses for positive, progressive change will be supported and we will continue to work and commit ourselves to a convincing result with regard to the two decisive and open issues," wrote the DFB and Co. on Sunday.
The "considerable progress" made by Qatar, especially with regard to the rights of guest workers, is acknowledged and the "commitments made by the Qatari government and FIFA regarding the safety, protection and inclusion of all fans" are welcomed," it said.
In addition, one agrees with Fifa that diversity is “a strength”.
However, »the commitment to and advocacy for diversity and tolerance also means supporting human rights.
Human rights are universal and applicable everywhere«, according to the ten national associations.
They believe "in the power of football to make further positive and credible contributions to progressive and sustainable change".
In addition to Germany, the national associations from Belgium, Denmark, England, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Sweden, Switzerland and Wales signed the statement.
Human rights violations have repeatedly been an issue since the World Cup was awarded to Qatar.
In recent years there have been repeated investigations by the media and human rights organizations that have reported blatant abuses for guest workers in the country.
Legislative reforms attempted by the government are therefore still not sufficiently monitored or implemented in practice.
The problematic situation of women and the LGBT+ community in the country is also repeatedly pointed out.
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