Before the tournament in Qatar, FIFA wrote to World Cup countries urging them to "focus on football" rather than human rights issues.

Gianni Infantino, the president of FIFA, and Fatma Samoura, the secretary general, addressed a letter to the 32 teams urging them to "let football take center stage."

The statement continued by stating that FIFA "tries to respect all opinions and beliefs, without handing out moral lessons."

The 2022 World Cup is scheduled to begin on November 20 in Qatar, but the country has been scrutinized for its treatment of workers and regulations regarding women and LGBTQ+ individuals.

A report published by The Guardian last year, which was "categorically" refuted by authorities, claimed that 6,500 migrant laborers have perished in Qatar since the country was given the World Cup ten years ago.
Additionally, the Gulf state has been criticized for its anti-LGBTQ laws and prosecution of sexually attacked women.

In violation of FIFA regulations, eight European teams have agreed to have their leaders wear heart-shaped armbands to support the OneLove anti-discrimination campaign.

Harry Kane, captain of England, is among the national captains who intend to participate in the campaign.

However, FIFA's message urged teams to "not allow football to be dragged into every ideological or political battle that exists.”

Infantino and Samoura said,

We know football does not live in a vacuum and we are equally aware that there are many challenges and difficulties of a political nature all around the world.

“At FIFA, we try to respect all opinions and beliefs, without handing out moral lessons to the rest of the world.

"One of the great strengths of the world is indeed its very diversity, and if inclusion means anything, it means having respect for that diversity.

“No one people or culture or nation is ‘better’ than any other.

"This principle is the very foundation stone of mutual respect and non-discrimination.

"And this is also one of the core values of football."

The letter added: "Please, let’s now focus on the football!"

Wednesday, England manager Gareth Southgate stated that he will continue to advocate for human rights problems, but maintained that the tournament must proceed.

Several coaches and federations have supported the creation of a compensation fund for the families of migrant workers.

As a symbol of "mourning" for those who died in Qatar, Denmark's team will wear black uniforms.

Qatar has often said that all tourists will be welcomed "regardless of origin, background, religion, gender, sexual orientation or nationality."

Approximately 1,2 million international tourists are anticipated throughout the tournament in Qatar.