Roy Keane has slammed Fifa’s choice to let the World Cup be hosted in Qatar, in light of the nation’s chequered human rights record and its treatment of migrant workers and LGBTQ+ people. On Tuesday, the former Manchester United and Republic of Ireland midfielder questioned the ethical righteousness of the controversial tournament. Same-gender associations are illegal in Qatar, while thousands of workers are alleged to have died during the construction of the tournament stadiums and infrastructure.
“The World Cup shouldn’t be here. It shouldn’t be here,” Keane commented. “The corruption, regarding Fifa, you’ve got a country, the way they treat migrant workers, gay people.” The issue came to light on Monday when seven countries that had planned for their captains to wear the armbands in Qatar, to champion inclusivity, backed down when faced with the threat of sporting sanctions from Fifa.