Scottish football bosses have been condemned for attending the opening of the World Cup in Qatar despite its controversial record on human rights.
The national side failed to qualify for next month’s tournament, meaning officials from the Scottish Football Association didn’t need to attend.
But it has been confirmed that SFA president Rod Petrie and chief executive Ian Maxwell are expected to fly out to the World Cup following a Scotland friendly match with Turkey on November 16.
A spokesman said the pair had received invitations to attend an “Executive Summit” being held by World Cup organisers Fifa on November 20, the same day the host nation kicks off the competition playing against Ecuador.
He also insisted the SFA “is supportive of all measures to improve human rights in Qatar”.
Homosexual relationships are illegal in the Middle Eastern state and are punishable with up to seven years in prison.
Last week Foreign Secretary James Cleverly urged British fans attending the event to “modify their behaviour” in line with Qatar’s laws.
The country has also been criticised over its record on workers’ rights, with almost 7000 immigrants dying during the construction of World Cup stadiums.
Last night a Tartan Army leader said the football bosses should “examine their conscience” before deciding to travel to the Middle East.
Hamish Husband, spokesman for the West of Scotland Tartan Army, said: “By attending, these officials are validating a regime with a shocking record on human rights.
“They built stadia using labour akin to slavery. Fans from the LGBT community have expressed fears for their safety by attending the tournament.
“I suggest our SFA chiefs should examine their conscience before going to Qatar.”
In summer the international organisation Human Rights Watch labelled next month’s tournament a “World Cup of shame” and called on the Qatari authorities to repeal all laws which criminalise consensual sexual relations outside of marriage.
Scottish TUC general secretary Roz Foyer said: “We would implore the Scottish FA to skip the ceremonies and cordials and call out Qatar for the lethal conditions faced by migrant workers in building this tournament.
“A total of 6800 migrant workers have paid with their lives for this World Cup.
“Fifa must ensure root-and-branch changes are implemented so any future World Cup hosts uphold workers’ rights, health and safety as a core condition of their application.”
The SFA spokesman added: “As a member of the association of Uefa and Fifa, we’re aware that these matters have been raised by Uefa’s working group on Qatar to Fifa’s general secretary.
“The Scottish FA will continue to contribute to this forum in support of improvement in human rights in Qatar and to ensure the World Cup is a welcoming, safe and inclusive tournament experience for all.”
The Scottish Government declined to comment.
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