Denmark manager Kasper Hjulmand supports Harry Kane’s plan to unite with other international captains over concerns over Qatar World Cup
- Kasper Hjulmand supports Harry Kane’s plan regarding concerns over Qatar
- Kane wants to unite with other national team captains to discuss key issues
- Pressure is building regarding human rights abuses in the World Cup host nation
Denmark manager Kasper Hjulmand welcomed Harry Kane’s plan to unite with other national team captains around concerns over the Qatar World Cup and urged players to speak to politicians to ‘open’ their eyes to human rights issues there.
Kane said this week that he and senior England players intend to speak to other captains in search of a ‘unified’ approach to Qatar.
‘It’s up to [Denmark captain] Simon Kjaer and Harry Kane. It’s not my decision but I think it’s a good idea to talk,’ said Hjulmand.
Denmark boss Kasper Hjulmand has backed Harry Kane’s plan to unite with other national team captains around concerns over the Qatar World Cup
Denmark have been at the forefront of highlighting issues in Qatar ahead of this year’s tournament.
When asked by The Mail On Sunday if he was disappointed that some countries have been slow to follow suit, Hjulmand refused to criticise Gareth Southgate’s side.
But he said: ‘It’s obvious that not only in football but in sport we have something to think about when the hosts are announced, how we make sure that the place will be — in my opinion, should be — within the goals of the UN [regarding] human rights and everything.’
Hjulmand believes players should speak to politicians to open their eyes to the situation
Hjulmand said that it is up to Denmark captain Simon Kjaer to discuss the issue with Kane
Southgate led a 30-minute meeting at St George’s Park this week amid concerns over migrant workers and LBGT rights in Qatar.
Hjulmand added: ‘It’s not only about Qatar, it’s about sport in general. It’s really something that takes a lot of effort to think about, but talk to your federations, to your politicians about it. For me, it’s something I will try to do my best to go into with open eyes.’
Players from Germany and Norway have also publicly voiced concern over human rights in Qatar.