Players from the Netherlands wore a jersey with the inscription "Football for CHANGE" ahead of their 2022 World Cup qualifier in Qatar on March 27, 2021. -

Peter Dejong / AP / SIPA

Like their colleagues from Norway, Denmark and Germany, the players of the Netherlands team led a symbolic action in support of migrants working on the construction of the World Cup stadiums in Qatar, ahead of the qualifying match opposing them to Latvia on Saturday (2-0 victory).

The Oranje climbed onto the pitch at Arena Johan Cruyff wearing a black T-shirt marked "Football supports CHANGE".

“We know that the workers who build the stadiums for the 2022 World Cup are working under very difficult conditions.

We cannot remain indifferent to it and do nothing, said Dutch defender Matthijs de Ligt.

In the coming weeks, we will also work with actors and unions (players) from other countries to consider joint actions.

"

The Dutch Federation in support

His compatriot Memphis Depay is on the same line: “As footballers our voice must be heard.

It will be more effective through collective action bringing together several countries rather than acting individually, ”the OL striker told the ANP news agency.

The players received the support of their manager, Frank de Boer.

In addition, at each upcoming meeting, the captain of the Netherlands will wear a black armband with the same mention in favor of human rights.

The Dutch Federation (KNVB) stressed that it had never been in favor of holding a World Cup in Qatar, according to the ANP.

However, she does not envisage a possible boycott.

"A good start guys"

The Dutch branch of the organization Amnesty International has congratulated the players for their initiative but is asking for more.

“It's a good start guys.

But more is needed.

At Fifa, they must do more to combat the exploitation of migrant workers in Qatar, ”Amnesty International wrote on Twitter.

Qatar has come under fire from human rights organizations for its treatment of migrant workers, many of them exploited and working in dangerous conditions, according to these organizations, on construction sites linked to the upcoming FIFA World Cup. world 2022. The emirate ensures for its part to have done more than any other country in the region to improve their working conditions.

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