Germany and Real Madrid midfielder Toni Kroos has questioned why Qatar was awarded hosting rights for the 2022 World Cup but has dismissed the idea of a boycott to highlight the treatment of immigrant workers.
A report released last month by the Guardian revealed how 6,500 migrant workers have died since Qatar was awarded World Cup host status. Qatar is building an array of infrastructure to host the tournament, scheduled to begin on November 21 next year.
Players of Germany, Norway and Holland have taken a stand during the latest round of international fixtures by speaking out at press conferences, standing arm-in-arm and wearing t-shirts displaying powerful slogans.
Kroos is not part of the current Germany setup because of injury but was quizzed over his views on his brother's podcast.
'I think it's wrong that this tournament was given to Qatar,' Kroos said.
'Immigrant workers are subjected to days without rest with the temperature under a torrid 50 degrees, they suffer from insufficient nutrition, without drinking water and at crazy temperatures. All of these points are absolutely unacceptable.'
But the playmaker does not think boycotting the tournament next year would be the correct response.
'Would a boycott serve to improve working conditions? I think not,' Kroos said. 'Football always arouses extreme attention. Be it before the tournament or during it.'
Since 2017, Qatar has introduced several reforms aimed at benefiting migrant workers, including the removal of the Kalafa system, which tied workers to their employer meaning they could not leave their job regardless of abuses they suffered.
And in 2019, FIFA developed a sustainability strategy for the tournament, which 'set out the ambitious plans to maximise the tournament's contribution to people's well-being, economic development'.
But Amnesty among other rights groups insist the reforms have not been properly implemented and 'thousands of migrant workers continue to be exploited'.
FIFA used its annual report earlier this month to hail progress made on workers' rights.
'Since the FIFA World Cup 2022 was awarded to Qatar, there has been a major collective effort from the local authorities, our partner the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy [a government body] and the International Labour Organisation to bring about positive change,' said Gianni Infantino, the FIFA President.
'And we are really pleased to see that this has materialised into concrete major progress in the area of workers' rights.'
Germany's World Cup qualifying campaign resumes on Wednesday evening when they play North Macedonia.
ZawMinHtun
0
Late for what ? Was there some big event? Is it no longer in fashion to speak about human rights, and against Racism?
what i mean was he should have speak up against this in the very beginning where they used slaves n let them work without resting n then many lives wouldn't have died in vain for them to realize that every time they step on tht stadium or field they will be steppin on tgeir graves
MichaelHarrow
0
mind ur own business again
Be clever! See...there are sometimes things we can’t realistically ask of another. I can’t mind my own business. And I can’t expect you to be clever.
jefferdier123
0
You should have taken your own advice, minded your own business, and never posted your excuse for a thought. But whatever I’m assuming you’re okay with Hypocrisy too.
mind ur own business again
MichaelHarrow
0
You dont see how sick that is? i feel sorry for you maaan.....
You need to read slower. I didn’t offer the position you claim I’m making. In either case, you must be well-off, maybe an event like World Cup, doesn’t mean anything to you. And that’s fine. But you are clearly missing the point of what I’m saying.
MichaelHarrow
0
That’s the mindset of brainless people just because it doesn’t affect you doesn’t mean you shouldn’t recognize it needs fixing Haven’t you heard the quote about people during the nazi era “They came for the guy down the street I did nothing They came for the guy two houses down I did nothing They came for my neighbor I did nothing They came for me and nobody did anything”
I appreciate the oversimplification. Of course if it’s “down the street,” it’s a different mentality. But Your example isn’t perfect, you don’t consider any missed opportunity like the World Cup. And worse you missed another motivator, staying alive. In Nazi times that person down street trying to correct that injustice would find themselves killed. So therefore, they did take it into consideration since it affected their well-being. As opposed to human right violations of Qatar that wouldn’t have any impact.
lawalidris
0
Toni Kroos be honest about your dislike of Qatar hosting the coming world Cup and don't hide under the immigrant dying in a hot weather. We know German has its worst form of human right abuse socially.
hinn4k`
0
That’s a tough one. For many, going to the World Cup is a once in a life time opportunity. Outweighs the money spent or the issues of the host country.
You dont see how sick that is? i feel sorry for you maaan.....
ferdude
0
Qatar’s domestic labor issues doesn’t affect the lives of anyone, outside of Qatar. As such, nobody will take this into consideration. At least it wouldn’t stop me from going.
That’s the mindset of brainless people just because it doesn’t affect you doesn’t mean you shouldn’t recognize it needs fixing Haven’t you heard the quote about people during the nazi era “They came for the guy down the street I did nothing They came for the guy two houses down I did nothing They came for my neighbor I did nothing They came for me and nobody did anything”
lillyboi
1
please don't misunderstand me because the truth is bitter, the truth is no one has forced them to work number one and they already know the consequences but they still decide to work there just because they wanted to make more money that's the fact but if government didn't allow them to work you will see lots of people are saying the government are bad. Thay came from all the way from their own country to another country to work so why are you blaming the country for what? Less be honest
AissamBOss
0
this is a nonsense, no one talked about worker's rights till Qatar was awarded the world cup event. Qatar will host a great sport event especially when we see those magnificent sport facilities.
Don't make a fool of yourself, no-one discussed this issue before Qatar was awarded the world cup competition, why these media don't discuss about worker's rights in countries like China India ... simply they don't care about them, their other reasons behind making this Media attack against Qatar.
RayanShah1222
3
Why don't you say something about Uighur genocide in china. U people disgust me
MichaelHarrow
0
He has a point but we should be boycotting the World Cup it’s not correct what they’re doing and everyone knows it
Qatar’s domestic labor issues doesn’t affect the lives of anyone, outside of Qatar. As such, nobody will take this into consideration. At least it wouldn’t stop me from going.
MichaelHarrow
0
Kross have forgotten that Germany, France, UK and other European countries put Libia and Africa in the situation we are today.
Don’t forget us Americans, we sure did a number on Africa. I guess y’all can blame all your faults and problems on us until pigs fly. I appreciate you sharing your half-baked thoughts. We all do.
MichaelHarrow
0
Toni Kroos should shut up and play ball. Has he forgotten that Germany caused two world Wars that claims millions of lives just because they wanted their colonies back?
Wow. Sucks to be German. Can’t complain about any injustice ever. I guess I can’t either, as an American whose nation participated in the enslavement of a human race, eradication of another, and also had their hand the colonization and impoverishment of 3rd world countries.
MichaelHarrow
0
i think its right to bring attention to it.. we all need to ask ourselfs how we can make an impact with our ways off Life!! Ask yourselves what you spent your money on..
That’s a tough one. For many, going to the World Cup is a once in a life time opportunity. Outweighs the money spent or the issues of the host country.
MichaelHarrow
0
you too mind your business🖕
You should have taken your own advice, minded your own business, and never posted your excuse for a thought. But whatever I’m assuming you’re okay with Hypocrisy too.
MichaelHarrow
1
Honestly speaking we should respect the fact that they died, May God had mercy on their souls😭😭😭😭, but we don't have to blame Qatar full on that to be honest because no one forced them to work there decided to by themselves so that they can make money💵 but they already no the consequences. ⚽⚽⚽
[image]
Very relative and weak sense of ethics and morality. My assumption is, You are uncomplicated by life and tough situations. I envy you.
MichaelHarrow
0
If they don't play the world cup there, it will seam like all the people who died, did so for nothing. I know it's not right, but let's make it about the people who died, a celebration of their lives.
Let’s celebrate and drink to their memory in the stadium that caused their deaths. These workers and their families don’t need money. They are rich in pride, pride in the beautiful stadiums that will be admired world wide for a period of 5 weeks.
MichaelHarrow
0
Looks like a German speaking up to Racism n human rights but he's right abt speaking against although he is 10 years late
Late for what ? Was there some big event? Is it no longer in fashion to speak about human rights, and against Racism?
MichaelHarrow
0
Germany isn’t new to killing people for the benefit of themselves
Sounds like common sense to me. I personally make it a point, that if I’m going to kill someone, it’s going to be for my benefit. But I guess you do it your way.
MichaelHarrow
0
fact
I guess only Japan, some countries in Europe, and sometimes the US should host the World Cup? All other countries with even slightly dubious Labour laws can watch on TV.
jefferdier123
0
People like you allow for the worst to happen, because you “mind your business”
you too mind your business🖕
MichaelHarrow
0
Shut up
You first.
MichaelHarrow
0
mind your business kross
People like you allow for the worst to happen, because you “mind your business”
MichaelHarrow
0
Then he shouldn’t play then
And by that logic all those that do decide to go, are supporting exploitive working conditions ?
MichaelHarrow
0
this is a nonsense, no one talked about worker's rights till Qatar was awarded the world cup event. Qatar will host a great sport event especially when we see those magnificent sport facilities.
You didn’t pay attention until now. Big difference.
MichaelHarrow
0
remember Hitler was a German 🤣🤣🤣 they are killers
Wow what an underdeveloped thought.
Mose_9
0
not exactly, but germany should shut up they lack the integrity to speak about human right.
shut up ......you make no sense.....if kroos doesn't say a thing,you will label him a Nazi......he had a right to speak,he does not represent Germany....the German govt represent Germany.....he is speaking as a human being.....was he the one that started world war.......what can't you use your head before talking
Jubdeirs
1
Honestly speaking we should respect the fact that they died, May God had mercy on their souls😭😭😭😭, but we don't have to blame Qatar full on that to be honest because no one forced them to work there decided to by themselves so that they can make money💵 but they already no the consequences. ⚽⚽⚽
[image]
What?? What exactly are you saying? So because workers aren't forced to look for work, they should be exposed to inhumane conditions? And isn't the Qatari government responsible for overseeing the entire project? And lastly, the workers did not expect these, and conditions were only exposed once they were on the grounds.
lillyboi
4
Honestly speaking we should respect the fact that they died, May God had mercy on their souls😭😭😭😭, but we don't have to blame Qatar full on that to be honest because no one forced them to work there decided to by themselves so that they can make money💵 but they already no the consequences. ⚽⚽⚽
jeakmorsty
0
Kross have forgotten that Germany, France, UK and other European countries put Libia and Africa in the situation we are today.
dont mind hypocrites.
jeakmorsty
1
it is funny that a bunch of idiots on this app will come here and say that Germany killed people over a hundred years ago,means that Qatar should also kill people
not exactly, but germany should shut up they lack the integrity to speak about human right.
Leecikosy
1
Kross have forgotten that Germany, France, UK and other European countries put Libia and Africa in the situation we are today.
no sense
Leecikosy
2
Toni Kroos should shut up and play ball. Has he forgotten that Germany caused two world Wars that claims millions of lives just because they wanted their colonies back?
you are a fool
poecdnorst
1
Kross have forgotten that Germany, France, UK and other European countries put Libia and Africa in the situation we are today.
Man talk some sense
poecdnorst
2
Toni Kroos should shut up and play ball. Has he forgotten that Germany caused two world Wars that claims millions of lives just because they wanted their colonies back?
It does not means that should repeat ur half chicken with no head poor you
ManUnited-Red
0
hinn4k`
0
i think its right to bring attention to it.. we all need to ask ourselfs how we can make an impact with our ways off Life!! Ask yourselves what you spent your money on..
Dekenstz
3
Toni Kroos should shut up and play ball. Has he forgotten that Germany caused two world Wars that claims millions of lives just because they wanted their colonies back?
i feel pity on you...
LFC11YNWA
0
You know €u×ing nothing about India/world in terms of wages. A pot should stop calling a kettle black.
1st read my comment properly then come talk to me...
leekloprtu
4
Kross have forgotten that Germany, France, UK and other European countries put Libia and Africa in the situation we are today.
soo... does that mean Qatar should continue what they are doing? The idiots on this app.
Mose_9
0
Dude it’s about advocating for human rights
it is like you read and literally don't still understand.....what you are saying is what I am saying.........read the last sentence........I am literally saying Kroos is advocating for human rights and that they should stop pinning the world war on him
lumaceiotz
0
ok bro, that's nice
Mose_9
3
it is funny that a bunch of idiots on this app will come here and say that Germany killed people over a hundred years ago,means that Qatar should also kill people
lumaceiotz
0
Agree with Kross, boycotts Qatar World Cup
Read the headline well, Kroos says he does NOT want a boycott🤦♂️
Dumadmpuz
5
kroos is 100 %right
Mose_9
0
Germany isn’t new to killing people for the benefit of themselves
it is ok for people to die, right?
Mose_9
1
Looks like a German speaking up to Racism n human rights but he's right abt speaking against although he is 10 years late
nothing is ever late......you just speak stupidly
kebbmnu
0
some people here are stupid......they are talking about world war.....was kroos the one who caused the world war?......does that mean that abusing human rights is correct.......why can't people speak about the right instead of commenting and trying to justify nonsense
Dude it’s about advocating for human rights
Mose_9
3
some people here are stupid......they are talking about world war.....was kroos the one who caused the world war?......does that mean that abusing human rights is correct.......why can't people speak about the right instead of commenting and trying to justify nonsense