FIFA World Cup: Gianni Infantino Asks Participating Teams to Focus on Football

• The World Cup teams have been asked to focus on football and not be moral cops on the political issues surrounding the Qatar event
• Deep human rights concerns have been raised over the Middle Eastern country's stance on various issues
• Gianni Infantino has now clarified that everyone is welcome in Qatar despite their background, but wants the teams to leave political issues aside

The controversy and backlash surrounding the FIFA World Cup in Qatar has taken another turn, after FIFA President Gianni Infantino sent a letter to teams asking them to steer clear of political issues.

Qatar has been on the receiving end of criticism due to its stance on a number of human rights issues. Migrants' rights have been in the spotlight, with claims of exploitation becoming rampant.

With less than three weeks to the event, Sky News reports that Infantino and Secretary General Fatma Samoura have sent a letter to the 32 participating teams.

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The duo has asked the teams not to allow football to be dragged into political battles.

"We know football does not live in a vacuum, and we are equally aware that there are many challenges and difficulties of a political nature all around the world. But please do not allow football to be dragged into every ideological or political battle that exists."

This comes at a time when England and Wales have promised to wear armbands to promote the right of homosexuals. Harry Kane and Gareth Bale are expected to defy any potential bans by donning the armbands.

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Sports Brief had previously reported that Denmark would wear a 'toned down' kit at this year's World Cup, in protest of Qatar's human rights record.

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This was revealed by sportswear maker Hummel, setting off a furious response from the Gulf state.

Qatar's organising committee accused Hummel of 'trivialising the country's efforts' to improve conditions for migrant workers, and called on the Danish federation to intervene.

The logo of the Danish sportswear brand and the Danish national badge are both barely visible on the shirts, designed for the World Cup starting on November 20.