Hector Bellerin Draws Attention to the Deaths of Migrant Workers at World Cup in GQ Awards Acceptance Speech

• Qatar hosting the 2022 FIFA World Cup has drawn much criticism since they were awarded the rights 12 years ago
• Hector Bellerin touched on how he wanted to be at the World Cup but couldn't bear to think about the deaths of so many workers
• The conditions in which migrant workers were forced to construct the World Cup infrastructure has often been criticised

There’s been much criticism of the World Cup being staged in Qatar.

The country has come under the spotlight for several human rights issues, particularly the conditions in which migrant workers were forced to endure to build World Cup infrastructure.

Barcelona’s Hector Bellerin drove that point home during a speech at the GQ Awards.

The Spanish defender was named one of the 'Men of the Year' for 2022 by the publication.

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During his acceptance speech, Bellerin touched on how it felt being at the awards and not at the tournament in Qatar, Marca reported.

"Not being part of it saddens me. But, on the other hand, there is a part of it that makes me happy. I don't know if I would be able to enjoy the burden of 6,500 people who died in the process of building a football World Cup,” he said.

He added that many young people from countries Pakistan and Bangladesh were just looking for a decent life for themselves and their families when they took on the work of building the infrastructure.

"We continue to magnify all those things that separate us. That only leads to misunderstanding and inequality. The only way to break down that barrier is to look for humanity, empathy, love, and to believe in our communities and the networks that conclude within it,” Bellerin added.

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His moving speech drew a round of applause from all gathered at the ceremony.

Australian team condemns 'suffering' behind Qatar World Cup

Australia's national football team Thursday condemned human rights abuses in Qatar ahead of the World Cup, becoming the first participating side to criticise the host country collectively.

Football Australia said the reported exploitation of migrant workers during stadium construction couldn't be ignored.

The upcoming World Cup -- beginning on November 20 -- has been marred by controversy since Qatar was awarded the rights 12 years ago.