Jackson Irvine has experienced first-hand proof that sport and politics can be mixed successfully. That is why he’s now prepared to speak up about the World Cup in Qatar and human rights abuses.
, had previously discouraged Australian players from making a stand on Qatar, according to multiple sources. They’re doing it anyway - aided by their union, Professional Footballers Australia, which has helped players decode what can be a complex issue by facilitating talks with human rights groups and migrant workers on the ground in Qatar, and letting them form their own opinions.
“As players, we’re a separate entity. Of course, we represent the national team and are proud to do so, and the federation plays its part in other things, but for us this was more just about us doing it ourselves and understanding that that was the most important thing. If we do that outwith the national team set-up ... it was still going to be something that we pursued in some form.”Irvine is not alone.
The Matildas, of course, won’t be going to Qatar - but two players, Aivi Luik and Elise Kellond-Knight, spoke to workers in Qatar through briefings set up last year through the PFA, FIFPro, Amnesty International and global union Building and Wood Workers’ International. Irvine remembers how these conversations sparked up when Qatar controversially beat Australia to the hosting rights for this World Cup back in 2010. He also remembers how quickly they faded away.
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