Soccer-FIFA rejects Denmark request to wear shirts with human rights message
One AmericaNov 25, 2022
The Facts
The Danish Football Association (DBU) revealed on Thursday that FIFA had rejected their request to train wearing shirts reading the message "Human Rights for All" during the upcoming World Cup in Qatar.
Qatar has been criticized for its human rights record and its stance on LGBTQ+ rights, as well as its treatment of migrant workers. FIFA prohibits the display of all political messages by players during matches, though the DBU disputes that the message is political despite accepting the decision.
The Spin
Establishment-critical narrative
This is yet another example of FIFA being overzealous in its judgment. This news reaffirms that the organization is simply refusing to acknowledge the plethora of rights problems that exist in the country they have chosen to host the next World Cup.
Pro-establishment narrative
The mostly Western-centric critique of the World Cup is an unfair smear campaign. Ongoing protests only trivialize Qatar's progress, ignoring the fact that it has already disbursed $350M to workers last year alone and has doubled up on efforts to protect employees. European countries must recognize that they do not and should not hold a monopoly over global football.
