Everton manager Frank Lampard believes players going to the World Cup should be able to choose whether they want to speak out or not on the off-the-field issues that have dogged the build-up to the tournament without being judged either way. Host Qatar has been criticised for its stance on same-sex relationships, its human rights record and its treatment of migrant workers but the sport’s governing body FIFA has written to all 32 teams competing in the finals telling them to “now focus on the football.”
Lampard said: “I think it’s the prerogative of either individuals or countries or teams if they feel strongly enough about something that they can speak up, I think that’s fine, I think that’s right. It’s sort of expected but I also respect the privacy of people who don’t want to and want to go and play football, I don’t think that makes you a bad person.
“I think you have a right to speak up or not if you’re in the public eye. I think the World Cup being in Qatar was always going to bring up these issues and I think bringing them up is a good thing generally going forward, that’s my opinion on it as Everton manager.”
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Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson, an England international, told BBC Radio 5 Live Breakfast: “A lot gets put on players on 'should the World Cup be played there?' and everything that goes with that, but the players don't decide where the World Cup is played.
“FIFA decides that and that is a question for them to answer. For us as players we just play football and try to have a voice in certain ways to help as much as we can.”
Asked if the question should be directed at FIFA – given that they chose the host – rather than the players, Lampard added: “Absolutely and it’s like they’ve directed the question back doesn’t it? I think it should be and it shouldn’t be on players.
“If they’re comfortable to speak and they feel strongly about it then fair play but also I sometimes sit here and don’t want to give you my personal answer, it’s not a bad thing, I have some beliefs but you have the right to get on with your job.
"The World Cup is in Qatar, it is what it is and I don’t think it makes somebody a bad person to go and represent their country there and stay quiet or represent their country and speak about certain things they believe strongly in.”
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