Canada Soccer releases statement on workers' rights, inclusivity in World Cup host Qatar

Canada Soccer added its voice Friday to the push for greater workers' rights and inclusivity in Qatar as the country prepares to host next month's FIFA World Cup.

The gas-rich emirate has come under fire during the past decade for its treatment of migrant workers, mostly from South Asia, who were needed to build billions worth of stadiums, transportation and hotels ahead of the 32-country men's soccer showcase.

"Canada Soccer supports the ongoing pursuit of further progress regarding workers' rights and inclusivity as Qatar prepares to host the world," Canada Soccer said in the statement. "FIFA itself has acknowledged these important matters and is discussing them with member associations and stakeholders.

"While strides have been made in strengthening protections for workers through the Qatar government's labour reforms, we encourage all partners to continue the dialogue ensuring these reforms translate to tangible improvement in protections for workers' rights and inclusivity across the country beyond the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022.

Canada Soccer general secretary Earl Cochrane noted Canada's "global reputation as a country that stands up for human rights."

"And we have a very strong track record as leaders here. And so we thought it was important for us, at the right time, to share that stance with not just Canadians but the global audience at the same time," he said in an interview.

The Canadian statement comes two days after the Australian team released a short but powerful video featuring its players that highlights Qatar's human rights record and demands reform as a legacy of its staging the World Cup.

WATCH | Australian soccer team criticizes Qatar's human rights record:

"The tournament has been associated with