Gareth Southgate says the absence of some England fans at the Qatar World Cup is a ‘big shame’ | Football news

Gareth Southgate admits it is “a shame” that England’s supporters will not travel to Qatar for the World Cup this winter and emphasizes that no one is “complacent” with the issues involved.

Accusations regarding the treatment of migrant workers and poor human rights record have plagued the Gulf state since it was awarded in the controversial 2010 final.

Homosexuality is punishable by imprisonment, same-sex marriage is not recognized by the government, and women’s rights are much stricter than in other parts of the world.

England manager Southgate says he is now ‘clear’ on World Cup hosting issues in the region and plans to negotiate with his team ahead of upcoming friendlies against Switzerland and the Coast Ivory.

“I think I’m pretty clear on the areas of interest about this tournament,” he said. “The construction of the stadiums was the first and we can’t do anything about that now. They’ve been built.

“Clearly there are ongoing concerns about workers’ rights and their living conditions and those areas.

“It seems like everyone accepts that it’s better than it is but not in a position where people think it’s possible. And it’s possible that the policies that have been put in place are not always enforced as they are. they can.

“Then there are the issues that could threaten our fans when they travel: women’s rights, and especially the rights of the LGBTQ+ community.

“Sadly, through the discussions I’ve had, I don’t think some of those communities will work and that’s a big shame.

“We’re in favor of inclusion as a team – that’s been a big driver of a lot of the views we’ve made over the last few years – and it would be horrifying to think that some of our fans feel that way. find they can’t go because they feel threatened or they worry about their safety.”

Southgate insists he is taking the matter seriously and will “go further” in understanding the issues when he travels to Doha for next month’s World Cup draw.

England players have been kneeling before games for more than a year to fight racism and discrimination but Southgate also admits a different approach is needed to express their stance on this situation.

“I don’t think it’s something where we’ll be able to make a statement that satisfies everything,” he added.

“This is different from taking the knee and our importance to that. We are not saying this is less important.

“We feel the World Cup is an opportunity to highlight some of these issues and we have a platform to be able to do that. We also have to do it responsibly.

“I’m not sure that just wearing a t-shirt will make a difference. I have absolutely no idea what we could do in every respect to make a difference.

“I think we have to be realistic about what can happen. We’re going to a country where FIFA has decided where this tournament will take place: it’s culturally different and it’s religiously different.

“So there are some things we won’t be able to influence. Maybe there are some things we can influence.

“If we can and we think they’re worth it, then we’ll try to do it. Without a doubt, one of the priorities in my mind is our own fans and the way we do it. they are handled specifically, but there may be other problems.

“I don’t think any of us are complacent about any of that. I’m definitely taking that very seriously. I want to make sure the players are protected, I want to make sure the players are protected. say they can use their voices properly, but I also don’t want them to be used with broader agendas at play, perhaps.

“So it’s going to be complicated. And I think we’re going to get some criticism whatever we do, but we’re going to try to do the best we can.”