FIFA rejects Denmark’s pro-human rights shirts
Host nation Qatar has faced criticism for its human rights record on the treatment of foreign workers.
FIFA have rejected a bid by Denmark’s World Cup squad to wear pro-human rights shirts in training, according to the Danish football federation (DBU).
World football’s governing body dismissed the Danish request to be allowed wear jerseys with the message “Human Rights for All”, a DBU spokesman told AFP.
Ever since Qatar won the rights to host the World Cup in 2010, human rights groups have criticised its treatment of foreign workers. Qatar’s government says that 30,000 foreign labourers were hired just to build the stadiums for the tournament.
Denmark’s schedule and group in the 2022 World Cup
Group D: France, Australia, Denmark, Tunisia
November 22
8:00 am ET Denmark vs Tunisia
November 26
11:00 am ET France vs Denmark
November 30
8:00 am ET Australia vs Denmark
England to take the knee?
The England squad will decide whether they continue to take the knee at the World Cup. Gareth Southgate’s side have made the gesture against racism and inequality in 33 consecutive matches, however, England did not take the knee in September’s fixtures and will make a decision before their World Cup opener.
Southgate said: “That will be a discussion we have with the players when we get into the camp.
“I have always supported what they want to do. I have a view but I don’t want to influence them too much because I think it’s important that they have a voice and they have a say in that.”
Captains of Premier League clubs decided ahead of the 2022-23 season to use specific moments to take the knee rather than making the gesture at every match.
The clubs agreed to perform the act ahead of the opening round, dedicated ‘No Room For Racism’ to matches in October and March, on Boxing Day and the final round, as well as the FA Cup and Carabao Cup finals.