England coach Gareth Southgate also sees his team as responsible for off-field issues at the World Cup in Qatar.
“We have to be aware of that and speak out when we can make a difference, because we’re responsible for that,” said the 52-year-old in an interview with US broadcaster CNN.
With a view to possible improvements through the tournament (from November 20th) in the controversial host country, the Three Lions coach was skeptical.
You also have to “be realistic about how much we can change in a country that we don’t control,” said Southgate, whose side face the USA, Wales and Iran in Group B.
Qatar has been criticized for years for human rights violations or the conditions for guest workers.
“Unfortunately, we are at a time where we could play against a number of countries that raise human rights issues,” said Southgate, who said he had spoken to “many workers” on trips to Qatar: “They want that the tournament is happening and they want it because they love football.”
Like the German Football Association (DFB), the English FA has joined human rights groups in their calls for compensation for the families of workers who died during construction work for the World Cup.