Socceroos

Federal sports minister Anika Wells has applauded the Socceroos for “raising their voice” and making a public stand against Qatar's poor human rights record ...

“They have called for the decriminalisation of the LGBTI community in Qatar. And we will not hear that a tremendous amount because there’s so much pressure in football for people not to be talking about this. “They have stood in direct solidarity not just with migrant workers, but with the LGBTI community in Qatar. Some have criticised the players for not boycotting the World Cup altogether, and have branded them as hypocrites. It is critical to acknowledge that the players did not award the World Cup host country. Treasurer Jim Chalmers also praised the team for what he said was a “gutsy” move.