2022 FIFA World Cup hosts Qatar have issued a strong response to the political statement made by the Denmark national team's kit sponsor this week.
On Wednesday, Danish sportswear manufacturer Hummel made their stance on the organisers of the showpiece quite clear when they announced that Denmark's kits for the tournament would be toned down in protest of the Qatari government's human rights record.
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The Middle Eastern nation has received persistent backlash for several issues, included the alleged human rights violations and inhumane treatment of migrant workers who helped build the stadiums for the competition, as well as various accommodation and tourist attractions.
In a statement on Hummel's official Instagram account, the outfitter wrote: "With the Danish national team's new jerseys, we wanted to send a dual message. They are not only inspired by Euro 92, paying tribute to Denmark's greatest football success, but also a protest against Qatar and its human rights record."
It appears the Danish Football Association was expecting this decision by the kit manufacturer, having confirmed back in November 2021 that their gear would consist of "critical messaging".
However, the organising group for the tournament, the Qatar Supreme Committee (QSC), has not taken kindly to the gesture, accusing Hummel of playing down their efforts towards worker safety.
"Since winning the right to host the FIFA World Cup, the SC has worked diligently alongside the Qatari government to ensure that the tournament delivers a lasting social legacy," the QSC's response read, according to Sky Sports.
"For that reason, we dispute Hummel's claim that this tournament has cost thousands of people their lives.
"Furthermore, we wholeheartedly reject the trivialising of our genuine commitment to protect the health and safety of the 30 000 workers who built FIFA World Cup stadiums and other tournament projects.
"That same commitment now extends to 150 000 workers across various tournament services and 40 000 workers in the hospitality sector."
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"We urge the DBU to accurately convey the outcome of their extensive communication and work with the SC, and to ensure that this is accurately communicated to their partners at Hummel."
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