FAI insists World Cup coverage can 'shine a light' on Qatar issues

The FAI has said that intense media coverage of the Qatar World Cup will help to "shine a light" on human rights and LGBTQ+ issues in the country.

The tournament kicks off this Sunday with the host nation taking on Ecuador at the Al Bayt Stadium.

There have been serious question marks raised around human rights issues, the protection of migrant workers, women's rights and the treatement of the LBGTQ+ community in Qatar.

In a statement, the FAI said on Tuesday that it has corresponded with Amnesty International Ireland ahead of the tournament and iterated the belief that "football can be a positive force to highlight inequalities in society and should be a catalyst for real, positive and sustainable societal change".

FAI chief executive Jonathan Hill added: "The FAI supports the call for the protection and support of migrant workers and their families and for basic human rights for women and the LGBTQ+ community to be respected at all times.

"We trust that the significant media attention on the tournament in the coming days and weeks will do much to shine a light on these important issues and that football can reflect on the role it can play in effecting societal change."

Last week, Republic of Ireland manager Stephen Kenny defended his decision to travel to Qatar for the tournament.

Kenny will be there to watch Ireland's Euro 2024 qualifying group opponents France and the Netherlands in action.

"What do boycotts achieve, going back to the Olympics in Russia and America?" said Kenny.

"By me going am I going to influence anything? I probably amn't.

"For me, [it’s] for football reasons. I’m only there for five nights, get to see France twice, Holland. Eight games, five nights and that’s it. And I’m out of it."

In March 2021, Norway