Qatar for the World Club Cup
LFC’s success in winning their sixth European champions title in Madrid, means they are now scheduled to contest the World Club Cup in December. In 2005, the last time the Reds played in this competition, they travelled to Japan. This year the six-team tournament is in Qatar.
FIFA’s decision to award the 2022 World Cup to the Gulf state has brought controversy and condemnation, with many fan groups and supporters concerned about migrant-worker deaths, workers’ rights and human rights, as well as being worried for their own safety and wellbeing.
Spirit of Shankly join other organisations in calling on the Qatari authorities to take immediate steps to investigate and address the deeply troubling pattern of deaths of migrant workers. See links below.
As part of the preparations, LFC are taking part in a series of fact-finding meetings and consultations with various authorities including FIFA, the Qatar Supreme Committee, the UK Foreign Office and a range of non-governmental organisations.
SOS have also been liaising with LFC, the Qatar Supreme Committee, and representatives of organisations such as Kop Outs, Human Rights Watch and Fair/Square Projects. The latter, a not-for-profit company, have worked on human rights in the Gulf region for over a decade with a focus on Qatar and migrant-workers. UNISON, the public services trade union with a strong international track record, and ILGA, an international LGBT+ rights organisation have also been involved.
Supported by Kop Outs, SOS have asked LFC and Qatar’s Local Organising Committee to verify that all fans – including those in the LGBT community – wishing to travel to Qatar be able to do so freely and without hindrance and fear from the authorities once they arrive.
Qatar’s LOC told us: “We really value the input of fans into the planning of this prestigious tournament and look forward to welcoming supporters of Liverpool Football Club to Doha this December. We sincerely hope they will all have a positive and enjoyable visit.” See attachment for FAQs.
We will continue to work with all relevant stakeholders in order to ensure travelling fans are provided with the information they require. In keeping with that ongoing commitment, we will offer updates at the appropriate times and would encourage supporters to monitor official club channels.
https://www.ilo.org/beirut/projects/qatar-office/WCMS_723539/lang–en/index.htm
