Conn Rangers FC launch campaign over controversial World Cup

A MAYO League club have launched an awareness campaign to highlight the issues surrounding the upcoming FIFA World Cup in Qatar.

The tournament, which begins this Sunday, November 20, has been shrouded in controversy following allegations of corruption, bribery and human rights offences.

In an effort to generate a positive dividend from this World Cup, Conn Rangers FC are currently running a campaign, called ‘Qatar 2022 - Drawing a line in the sand.’

It has two primary objectives.

1. To raise awareness locally about the issues surrounding this World Cup.

2. To sponsor jerseys for young players in the countries from which migrant workers are principally drawn - Bangladesh, Nepal, Pakistan and India.

In a statement on the club’s website, Conn Rangers said: “The FIFA World Cup is an amazing event that rolls around every four years, a celebration of all that is good about the beautiful game. Sadly a dark shadow hangs over the upcoming tournament in Qatar.

“Like many others, we at Conn Rangers FC have been appalled at the corruption and human rights abuses that have marked preparations for this World Cup.

“As a result we are running a campaign called 'Qatar 2022 - Drawing a line in the sand' to try and raise awareness and show that football can still be a force for good and have a positive influence on people's lives.

“Funds raised will go towards jerseys featuring the international symbol for human rights which we hope will raise awareness amongst our players, their opponents, our supporters and all involved with the club long after the World Cup has finished.

“Secondly, we want to help young footballers in countries like Bangladesh, Nepal, Pakistan and India. These are the countries where most of the migrant workers of Qatar have come from.

“We hope to develop relationships with local clubs on the ground and sponsor jerseys for young boys and girls whose families have sacrificed so much.

“Yes, many of us have serious misgivings about this tournament but let's try to turn a negative into a positive.

“Help us to raise awareness here at home while also supporting young footballers overseas and ensure that for all its many flaws some good will have come from World Cup 2022.”

You can read more about the campaign at https://www.connrangers.com/alineinthesand. Donate at https://gofund.me/0d05a4d3.