The SFA have issued a statement to justify Friday’s friendly with Qatar.
The fixture has been criticised on a number of levels with Amnesty International and other human rights groups highlighting Qatar’s human rights record and the death toll of migrant workers involved in projects related to the 2022 World Cup.
As a football fixture fans have wondered about the benefit of playing an unknown quantity ahead of playing Ireland with Gordon Strachan taking a back-seat from the debate.
Yesterday the SFA announced: “The Scottish FA wishes to clarify its position in respect of the forthcoming international match against Qatar this month and the separate concern of the human rights issues experienced by migrant workers in Qatar.
“As noted recently by Amnesty International, it is important that 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 in June as part of their tour of the United Kingdom, having used The FA’s St George’s Park training facility as a base before playing Northern Ireland on Sunday and Scotland this Friday.
“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.
“As outlined above, Qatar’s availability in the United Kingdom represented an opportunity preferable to the few available alternatives on a date that is not on the official FIFA international calendar. We are grateful to the Qatar FA for their flexibility during their UK tour and to Qatar Airways for sponsoring the match.”
Turning to the human rights issues the statement added: “None the less, we are also cognisant of disturbing reports on the conditions experienced by migrant workers involved in the building of stadia for the forthcoming FIFA World Cup in 2022.
“For the avoidance of doubt, the Scottish FA condemns any behaviour that compromises human rights and, in conjunction with the Scottish Government, we have already stated our joint offer to provide practical support.
“This was offered after a hugely successful Commonwealth Games held in Glasgow which reiterated Scotland’s ability to host world-class events in a safe and sustainable manner. That offer remains open and we have reiterated our position to the Scottish Government in that regard.
“The Scottish FA has also demonstrated its commitment to humanitarian aid by helping to raise £1.5m for UNICEF’s Ebola Appeal during the recent Scotland v England international match.
“We have been in contact with Amnesty International to outline our position and to ensure positive and productive dialogue in the lead-up to the Qatar match and beyond.”
Friday’s match will be staged at Easter Road.