The country controversially beat rival bids from the United States, Australia, South Korea and Japan to host the tournament, with hundreds of thousands of construction workers arriving from overseas. The Qatari government said the 'mortality rate among these communities is within the expected range for the size and demographics of the population'. The clubs were prompted to act by a report in the Guardian external-link last month which said 6,500 migrant workers have died in Qatar since the World Cup was awarded in 2010. A number of other Eliteserien clubs then made similar requests. It was the latest and most high-profile show of dissatisfaction in Norway towards Qatar hosting the World Cup.Įarlier in March, top-flight side Tromso called for the Norwegian FA to consider boycotting the World Cup if they qualified. 'Fifa believes in the freedom of speech, and in the power of football as a force for good,' a statement said. Norway went on to win their Group G opener 3-0.įootball's world governing body, Fifa, said Norway will not face 'disciplinary proceedings' for the protest. The World Cup is scheduled to get under way in Qatar on 21 November next year.
The players also wore T-shirts saying 'Respect on and off the pitch' as they warmed up in Marbella.
