Liz Clavins (40) criticized FIFA and the World Cup organizers when she spoke about human rights violations in Qatar. It has created reactions all over the world.
– It’s pretty impressive. Undoubtedly, she is brave. Because that would lead to a lot of criticism against her, NFF and Norway, but she was absolutely in place. It is a declaration of bankruptcy from Norway if we do not take the opportunity to convey the demands of protection of human rights, equality and openness when we are in the international arena, says Linda Hofstad Hellland (H),
She has been in similar fights as a former Vice President of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA).
«Liz Clavins cripples Qatar over human rights” Write Pakistan Observer.
«Qatar’s World Cup coach responds to criticism after criticism from the Norwegian Football Association“Are you going away Watchman.
«The Norwegian football chief sparks enthusiasm to criticize the Qatar Football World Championship” Write Washington Post.
Clavins’ speech received worldwide attention.
We cannot ignore the demands of change. How FIFA behaves has a lot to say about how football is understood in all the confederations. Speaking during the FIFA Congress on Thursday, Clavins said that FIFA should lead by example.
After the speech, she was criticized by both World Cup President Hassan Al Thawadi and Honduran Secretary General, José Ernesto Mejia.
The newly elected Norwegian football chief was abusive from the start, and stirred up feelings for many.
– Now she raises a lot of counter forces that will become her enemies. Basically, the fact that she’s a woman who’s in a gay relationship in and of itself excites a lot. In addition, she is smart, brave and young. There will be three phases ahead. This is always the case when she speaks out against strongmen in suits, says Helland and explains that Clavins will face a time of techniques of judgment and sarcasm and where “they” undermine her message.
Norway’s biggest soccer star, Caroline Graham Hansen, also lent her support to Clavins:
We salute her and will do our best to mobilize so that she is supported by international sports personalities who want a change. It’s a tough battle ahead of her and she should never give up. What you’re experiencing right now from the criticism is just a gentle breeze of what will happen if she continues to utter that message, the former vice president continues.
What does he say about Klaveness that she did so early on after becoming the new head of football?
– That’s absolutely true. She has no day to lose, nor should she be seen as a nodding puppet with “tall men” and sporting pomp on her shoulders. Hyland answers from day one, she will show what a smart and strong leader she is.
– Do you think they were surprised?
– I think they were so shocked when she took her first chance, when they thought she “must be one of us”. But then she was tough and gave a speech like no other. Now they just can’t kick her out. The conservative politician now answers that they should relate to it.
Thursday’s speech is a direct result of last year’s Norwegian Football Association Board: there, a majority voted against Norway’s boycott of the Qatar World Cup.
Trine Sports Club suggested that the Norwegian football chief take the podium at this year’s FIFA Congress, and drew heavy criticism at FIFA for opening a microphone. This proposal received a majority.
Consequently, Liz Clavins, who was elected as the new president of the National Football Association a short time ago, had to speak before FIFA leaders and Qatar’s political leadership on Thursday morning.
– I think that Norway and Lis standing against human rights is a good thing, well done and done, as the General Secretary of the Norwegian Football Association Karin Espelund tells VG and continues:
– Then the reception, as I see it, demonstrates Scandinavian support and European support. it is good.
How do you think FIFA will react to Clavins’ speech?
– I hope no disagreement gets any kind of punishment. Espelund answers: We’ve been through hard times before, and if a world organization like FIFA can’t stand a discussion at its conference, it’s a serious illness.
– I think Liz’s speech was very good. clear and precise. Strong follow-up to Parliament’s extraordinary decision in 2022, former football chief Terje Svendsen writes in a short message to VG.
Amnesty International Secretary General Jon Peder Ignes praises the Norwegian football chief and says he is “proud of the Norwegian speech”.
– We really appreciated Liz Clavins’ speech. She said a lot of the right things football could address, and she admits that she does not work for a human rights organisation. As a football enthusiast and human rights activist, I’m proud of this speech, Igines tells VG.
She was scheduled to attend a conference hosted by the International Football Association (FIFA) on Wednesday. There was Building & Woodworkers International (BWI) and Amnesty, among others. But when at twelve o’clock the BWI demanded that the press not be allowed to attend, Clavins chose to forgo his participation.
– She said that, of course, it was also open to the press at such an event, it was not a meeting, according to NRK.
The Klaveness speech has also received a lot of attention on social media:
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