Australian squad pressure Qataris to speed up reform with video message to 16 players

October 27 - Australia's World Cup team is the latest country to attack Qatar's human rights record, releasing a three-minute video about the treatment of foreign workers and the restrictions imposed to the LGBTQI+ community.

Football Australia also issued a statement saying the "suffering" felt by workers and their families caused by the tournament "cannot be ignored".

The group video featuring feedback from 16 players: "We stand with Fifpro, Building and Woodworkers' International and the International Trade Union Confederation, seeking to embed reforms and establish a lasting legacy in Qatar.

"This must include the creation of a resource center for migrants, an effective remedy for those who have been deprived of their rights and the decriminalization of all same-sex relationships.

“These are the fundamental rights that should be granted to all and will ensure continued progress in Qatar and a legacy that will go well beyond the final whistle of the 2022 FIFA World Cup.”

Players acknowledged some reforms such as the abolition of the antiquated "kafala" system that tied workers to their employers - which allowed employers to withdraw workers' passports and prevent them from leaving the country - but have said it didn't go far enough.

Qatar authorities are trying hard to dismiss the criticism, but they show few signs of slowing down in the preparations for the tournament.

Australian group's opponents Denmark have also protested against human rights abuses, while players from nine European countries will wear 'One Love' armbands to protest against Qatar's relationship laws homosexuals.

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