SFA urged to Cancel Scotland/Qatar Fixture at Easter Road over Human Rights Concerns

Published 2nd Jun 2015

There are calls for the SFA to cancel Friday's friendly against Qatar at Easter Road over the plight of migrant workers building stadia for the 2022 World Cup.

Leading Labour MSP Neil Findlay told Forth News, "62 workers will have died for every game in the World Cup if people are killed at the rate they're being killed at the moment.

"That is outrageous and we have a moral duty to act."

The Scottish Trades Union Congress (STUC) has also written to the SFA, calling on it to speak out on the "appalling labour abuse'' ahead of Friday's match.

But football chiefs stressed their determination to go ahead with the game.

In a statement, the SFA said, "It is important that the universal reach of football can be used in a positive manner to highlight inequalities and be a force for good.

"It is with this in mind that we welcome Qatar to Easter Road.

"It is important to separate this sporting fixture from the serious human rights issues emanating from Qatar.

"The game was agreed with the national coach’s wish for a competitive fixture as part of preparations for the forthcoming European Qualifier against Republic of Ireland as of paramount importance".