First of all there were the statements of one of the representatives of the Organizing Committee, Nasser Al-Khater, who called for “respect for their own culture” to justify banning homosexual couples from showing affection in public. Later, the boycott promoted by some sectors, demanding the working conditions of the workers who built the stadiums in Doha. And, more recently, Ukraine’s request to exclude Iran for its military aid to Russia.
Qatar 2022, the first World Cup, which takes place in Arab territory, is undoubtedly tinged with elements unrelated to football. hence, the FIFAwith a letter signed Thursday by its president, Giani Infantinoand the secretary general Fatma Samoura, made a special request for the associations contributing to the Cup: “Let’s focus on football”.
“Do not allow football to be drawn into all ideological or political battles that exist”, expresses part of the declaration. Furthermore, he assures that “one of the great strengths of the world is its own diversity”, he invites you to think that “no people, culture or nation is ‘better’ than another” and stresses that “mutual respect and non-discrimination are fundamental values of football”.
This letter was born, according to the Spanish news agency EFE, as a response to various situations that have occurred in recent weeks and that distance football from the competition that will begin on November 20.
For instance, Jurgen Klopp expressed his unease for the players who on the eve of the World Cup are forced to answer political and non-sporting questions. “That’s not fair,” the German coach said at a public event ceremony in Liverpool on Thursday.
FIFA argues that football will be at the center of the next few days and the national teams, their federations, coaches and players should only think about this.
The complete letter published by FIFA
Dear Presidents, Dear General Secretaries,
The FIFA World Cup in Qatar is just around the corner and excitement for the world’s largest football festival is growing as we count the days until the start in Doha on Sunday, November 20, 2022.
As one of the 32 participating teams, you carry the hopes and dreams of your country and all its people on your shoulders.
FIFA wants to make sure that everything has been prepared in Qatar to ensure that all participating nations have the best possible chance of achieving success in the final round of football. The eight state-of-the-art stadiums, where all 64 matches of the Qatar 2022 FIFA World Cup will be played, will provide the perfect platform for the world’s largest sporting event.
So, let’s focus on football now!
We know that football does not live in a vacuum and we are equally aware that there are many political challenges and difficulties around the world. But, please don’t let football get dragged into every ideological or political battle out there.
At FIFA we try to respect all opinions and beliefs, without giving moral lessons to the rest of the world. One of the great strengths of the world is, in fact, its very diversity, and if inclusion means something, it means having respect for that diversity. No people, culture or nation is “better” than another. This principle is the cornerstone of mutual respect and non-discrimination. And this is also one of the fundamental values of football. So please, let’s remember that and let football be the center of attention.
Now, at the FIFA World Cup, we have a unique opportunity to welcome and embrace everyone, regardless of origin, background, religion, gender, sexual orientation or nationality. We take this opportunity and unite the world through the universal language of football.
Now our focus is on football because #NowIsAll.
We wish you much success and a great tournament in sight!
Giani Infantino, FIFA President, Fatma Samoura, FIFA Secretary General.
Source: Clarin
