FIFA chiefs tells World Cup teams not to focus on Qatar's human rights

The

which kicks off in Qatar on November 20, is being overshadowed by Qatar's human rights issues, treatment of migrant workers, and anti-LGBT laws.

Sky News reports that FIFA president Gianni Infantino and general secretary Samoura have sent a letter to each of the teams competing in the World Cup, urging them to stick to football.

Infantino and Samoura wrote:

"Please, let's now focus on the football!

"We know football does not live in a vacuum and we are equally aware that there are many challenges and difficulties of a political nature all around the world.

"But please do not allow football to be dragged into every ideological or political battle that exists.”

England and Wales and six other European nations have requested that all of the team's captains wear "One Love" armbands at the World Cup in support of the LGBTQ+ community. Australian national team players also recently released a statement and criticised Qatar's human rights record.

"At FIFA, we try to respect all opinions and beliefs, without handing out moral lessons to the rest of the world,"

Infantino wrote.

"One of the great strengths of the world is indeed its very diversity, and if inclusion means anything, it means having respect for that diversity. No one people or culture or nation is 'better' than any other.

"This principle is the very foundation stone of mutual respect and non-discrimination. And this is also one of the core values of football. So, please let's all remember that and let football take centre stage."

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