Manchester United midfielder Bruno Fernandes has claimed he is “not happy at all” about the upcoming World Cup in Qatar.
The host nation has come under scrutiny for its treatment of migrant workers and its stance on human rights and same-sex relationships, while it will also be the first World Cup not to be played in May, June or July.
Speaking after Man United’s 2-1 win over Fulham on Sunday, Fernandes criticised the circumstances surrounding the tournament.
The midfielder told Sky Sports: “We know the surroundings of the World Cup, what has been in the past few weeks, past few months, about the people that have died on the construction of the stadiums, we are not happy about that at all.”
“It’s not exactly the time we want to be playing in the World Cup. I think for everyone, players and fans, it’s not the best time.
“Kids will be at school, people will be working and the timings will not be the best for people to watch the games.
“We want football to be for everyone. Everyone has to be included and involved in a World Cup because a World Cup is the world. It’s for everyone, it doesn’t matter who.
“These kind of things I think should not happen at any time. But for a World Cup it’s more than football, it’s a party for fans, players, something that’s a joy to watch, and should be done in a better way.”
Fernandes is expected to be involved when Portugal begin their World Cup campaign against Ghana on November 24 before facing Uruguay and South Korea.
—Reuters
