The non-governmental organization (NGO) Amnesty International arrested the French football team this Thursday morning. The NGO hopes to make the Blues take a public position on human issues relating to the next World Cup in Qatar at the end of 2022.

In an open letter, she writes in particular: “You will enter into legend if, as reigning world champions, you help us to defend and support migrant people working in undignified conditions in Qatar, and without whom this World Cup will not be possible. could never have seen the light of day. Your talent is worth gold, your word must weigh just as much! writes Amnesty. She adds that the players will find themselves in contact with these “migrant workers in [their] hotel or when traveling between stadiums and other training places. ".

"It's a very sensitive subject"

For its part, the French Football Federation (FFF) has already made a commitment. It intends to check that the employees of its hotel and the infrastructures used by its players will be paid up to the minimum wage recently introduced, which corresponds to approximately 260 euros. Added to this is a housing and food allowance of 1,800 Qatari riyals in all, the equivalent of 470 euros.

But when his selection for the next Nations League matches was announced, Didier Deschamps, the French coach, was asked about this open letter: "It's a very sensitive subject, it's not my role. nor that of the players to put pressure on the Federation which has taken the necessary steps to be vigilant and attentive to the situation there, replied the coach. I don't want to get into a media debate, that's clear. This does not mean that each individual will have his freedom of expression. I don't have the ins and outs. The FFF, the France team, like all nations, will do what is necessary to be vigilant about this situation. I'm not here to gag the players, they are free to express themselves on what they want. »