‘Shouldn’t happen again’ – Ex-Germany captain Philipp Lahm critical of Qatar World Cup over human rights record

Former Germany captain Philipp Lahm has criticised the awarding of the 2022 World Cup to Qatar due to the country’s human rights record, and says he is not planning to attend the tournament.

Human Rights Watch has also said Qatari laws discriminate against migrants, women, and LGBTQ+ individuals.

Lahm captained Germany when they won the World Cup in 2014 and is now working as the German FA’s tournament director for Euro 2024.

“I’m not part of the delegation and I’m not keen on flying there as a fan,” he told kicker.

“I prefer to follow the tournament from home. Human rights should play the biggest role in the awarding of a tournament. If a country is awarded the contract that is one of the worst performers in this regard, you start to think about the criteria used to make the decision.

“That shouldn’t happen again in the future. Human rights, sustainability, the size of the country… none of that seems to have played a role.”

Lahm also said he hopes German players will speak openly about Qatar’s human rights record at the World Cup.

“As a player, you can’t get around it anymore.”

Germany will be hoping to bounce back in Qatar after losing in the group stage at the 2018 World Cup.

They also suffered an early exit at Euro 2020, but seem to have been reinvigorated by the appointment of manager Hansi Flick.

Asked about his expectations for Germany, Lahm said: “We talked a lot about values. Their embodiment is also part of the appearance.

“When I look at the last two tournaments, the appearance on and off the pitch was not like that, that everyone could identify with it. But that would be important and that’s what I wish for.

“And in terms of sport, we’re always among the favourites. So I wish that Germany will be there to the end.”