In a joint statement released this afternoon, France players have pledged to financially support NGOs which work towards the protection of human rights, via the Génération 2018 fund set up by the World Cup-winning team of four years ago.
Les Bleus captain Hugo Lloris had explained in the press conference yesterday that the squad would be putting out a statement immimently, insisting that he and his teammates were not “indifferent” to the issue of human rights in Qatar, notably with regard to the Gulf state’s treatment of migrant workers and oppressive laws against LGBT+ people.
The statement explains that “in the troubled backdrop of this World Cup, we want to reiterate, via this letter, our attachment to respecting human rights and our refusal of any kind of discrimination”.
“For several weeks we have heard the warnings from NGOs and charities, and we are mindful of them. Our passion must not be the cause of some people’s mistfortune.”
The players go on to state that they are going to Qatar to play football, but are also conscious that football has a responsibility of its own to be aware of human rights and environmental issues, and that they each have to do their bit.
The letter is signed by the 2018 World Cup winners, who first set up the fund, as well as the players who are going to Qatar for this year’s tournament.
GFFN | Raphaël Jucobin
