"As long as they do not harm others" - Nadal on free speech and Qatar World Cup
ATP
Rafael Nadal has said that freedom of expression must be honoured, and everyone should be allowed to say how they feel, but as long as their words do not hurt other people.
His comments come in response to FIFA's ban on political displays during the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. The OneLove armbands showing support for the LGBT community have been banned, meaning players who choose to wear them will be suspended. Similarly, rainbow-coloured clothing on fans must be removed before entry to the stadium.
Qatar has been criticised for their awful human rights record, including the death of several migrant workers during the construction of stadiums. Qatari laws also forbid homosexuality, which is a punishable offence in the country, which had prompted fans and players to show solidarity with LGBT community - something which itself is now banned.
It has prompted widespread condemnation, and Nadal has joined the chorus of those who say that free speech should be protected. As quoted by Marca newspaper, the Spaniard said, "We are in a global world in which people must have more and more rights. Everyone must have the freedom to express the feelings they have, as long as they do not harm others."
He went on to say, "Sport is a place to express oneself, because it has a global exposure at the media level, but, beyond all that, for me the important thing is to end up playing football. The decisions that FIFA makes or does not make may seem better or worse to me, but in the end they are rules and attitudes that they want to take at their event . The rest must be free to express themselves and show their disagreement, as is already happening".
The 22-time Grand Slam champion is currently on an exhibition tour of South America with fellow ATP player, Casper Ruud, after which his attention will turn to preparations for next season.
