Doha (AP) – The Norwegian association president Lise Klaveness rejects the criticism of the Qatar World Cup host of her call for changes at FIFA in dealing with human rights.
In a haunting speech at the congress in Doha, the former national player explained that the World Cup had been awarded to Qatar a good eleven years ago under “unacceptable circumstances and with unacceptable consequences”. World Cup organization chief Hassan Al-Thawadi then accused her of not having spoken to them beforehand.
“I’m not disappointed. It’s just not right. We had several discussions with the Supreme Committee (organization committee) beforehand, we read everything about it,” said Klaveness of the German Press Agency in Doha. “We have dealt intensively with the topic, we are very well informed.” The World Cup host has been criticized for years because of the human rights situation and the conditions for foreign workers.
Keep the pressure up
Klaveness stressed that while there has been some change in Qatar, there is still work to be done. “It’s our job to keep the pressure up,” said the 40-year-old.
Klaveness also sees the German Football Association as an important partner for the goals of more respect for human rights and diversity at FIFA. “I know my statements are supported by the Nordic federations. It is important that we have alliances with Germany, Canada, Australia, all countries,” she said. “Countries that share our ethical viewpoints.” In view of the requests to speak at the congress, however, she also recognized that the mood in world football is “divided”.
From their point of view, it is not about the fact that international football should only take place in western countries. “The sport should be played in Qatar, in Saudi Arabia, in Africa, in China. We shouldn’t be afraid to go to those countries,” Klaveness said. But then there must be a process that ensures that certain values are preserved.