A role model on and off the field. The German legend plans to boycott the World Cup in Qatar. He’s had the same opinion for 11 years

Former Germany and Bayern Munich captain Philipp Lahm will boycott this winter’s World Cup because of the poor human rights record of host nation Qatar. FIFA faced widespread criticism for awarding the tournament to the small Gulf country, which has a population of over two million. Qatar had never qualified for the World Cup before and was ranked 113th in the world when it was awarded the rights to host the tournament, which was moved to winter this year because of the country’s extreme summer temperatures.

The country’s human rights record and treatment of migrant workers has also been widely criticised since it was named host in 2010. Former Bayern Munich flanker Lahm captained Germany at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil and is now working as the German FA’s tournament director for Euro 2024.

But the 38-year-old says he will not attend the World Cup in Qatar. “I am not part of the delegation and I don’t want to fly there as a fan,” Lahm told German newspaper Kicker. “I prefer to watch the tournament from home. If a country gets a contract that is the worst performer in this respect, you start thinking about the criteria you use to make your decision.”This should not happen again in the future. Human rights, sustainability, the size of the country… none of that seems to have played a role.” A 2021 investigation by The Guardian found that more than 6,500 migrant workers have died in Qatar since it was announced as a host country 12 years ago, with 37 deaths directly related to the construction of stadiums for the tournament.

According to Amnesty International, Qatar’s “authorities continue to restrict freedom of expression by using abusive laws to suppress critical voices”, while women and the LGBTQ+ community are also oppressed. Homosexuality is illegal in Qatar and same-sex relationships can lead to criminal prosecution and a prison sentence of up to seven years.

FIFA president Gianni Infantino has insisted that “all are welcome” in the Gulf state, and has urged LGBTQ+ football fans to attend the tournament. However, a recent investigation – conducted jointly by NRK and SVT in Sweden and DR in Denmark – found that some hotels in the country are refusing same-sex couples to stay.

England manager Gareth Southgate has previously said it is a “great shame” that some Three Lions supporters will not travel to Qatar for the World Cup. However, his comments were criticised by Qatar 2022 CEO Nasser Al Khater, who warned Southgate to “choose his words carefully”.