Conmebol calls for a unified front in support of 2022 FIFA World Cup

The South American football confederation has pleaded with nations to be united and for controversies to be left behind for the Qatar tournament

Considering Qatar's treatment of its citizens, numerous concerns have arisen since it was approved to host the 2022 FIFA World Cup. Due to the deaths of the migrant workers and Qatar's stringent laws against same-sex unions, many activists and sporting figures feel the 2022 World Cup will be held there and will be a disgrace. This proves that FIFA only desires to profit and does not embrace diversity and inclusivity.

Due to these situations, human rights advocates have put players under pressure to come forward against Qatar's treatment of migrant labour.

The remarks come as FIFA appealed to competing nations to focus on the World Cup rather than hosting country concerns, as Human rights and Amnesty International have called out Qatar for human rights violations.

Qatar has been chastised for its management of same-sex relationships, human rights record and migrant worker deaths. The FIFA World Cup will begin on November 20 and conclude on December 18.

FIFA advised all nations to focus on football rather than politics. Stating that football should not be drawn into political or ideological fights and should not be taught moral lessons.

Even Conmebol has called for cooperation ahead of the World Cup and recommended players and spectators to focus on the biggest sporting event, which begins on November 20.

Human rights and LGBTQIA activists later slammed their remarks, saying, "Human rights are universal and apply everywhere".

Conemdbol's view on the controversy

While Conemdbol's view on the controversy was that, "Conmebol and its 10 member associations join the call for world football unity in support of the Fifa World Cup Qatar 2022."

"A country eager to show its hospitality and warmth, magnificent sports venues and 32 prepared teams with their greatest potential. They ensure a tournament that will undoubtedly go down in history."

"As few times in history, human society today needs the powerful message of sport in general and football. The most popular of them, in particular."

"This message is powerful because it is universal, it goes far beyond political or ideological disputes, temporary disagreements and occasional confrontations. It is a message full of optimism, tolerance, inclusion, diversity, union."

Further, they said, "The FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 is the best opportunity to consolidate the values ​​on which football is founded. Due to its scope, its prestige and tradition, the World Cup multiplies the positive impact of these values.

"This is especially so in the new generations, in girls, boys and young people. Who hope and seek that football is not tarnished or distorted with biased or partial visions.

"Let's open the field to those values ​​- effort as a path to self-improvement. The articulation of individual talent and teamwork. Respect for the rival; the competition with loyalty - and let them be protagonists during this Fifa World Cup Qatar 2022.

"The time has come to leave controversies and controversies behind and value and enjoy a true ecumenical party, eagerly awaited by the entire planet. Let the ball start rolling to bring joy and emotions to everyone!"

Nations prepare a peaceful protest

Meanwhile, participating nations are preparing for a peaceful protest. England captain Harry Kane and nine other players will wear one love armbands to support diversity and inclusion.

Denmark will wear toned-down shirts to protest Qatar. With kit producer Hummel stating that "it will not be obvious" and will send a message about "how it has cost thousands of lives."

The Australian team has released a film in which they request Qatar to repeal its laws prohibiting same-sex relationships.

Meanwhile, the FA has stated that if "any accident or death related to any construction project" occurs during the World Cup, compensation will be provided.

After all of this criticism, Qatar did not remain silent and their Foreign Affairs Minister, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani, responded, saying: 

"Hypocrisy", while calls for a boycott are "are being peddled by a very small number of people. In 10 countries at most, who are not at all representative of the rest of the world."