Foster questions 'chilling' silence from World Cup players on human rights

Craig Foster believes players have been told to keep quiet on political issues ahead of the World Cup. (Getty Images: Kelly Defina)

Former Socceroos captain Craig Foster believes players have been told not to speak out about political issues ahead of the FIFA World Cup.

A number of players, including Socceroos, publicly criticised Qatar's record leading into the 2022 tournament.

The FIFA World Cup, hosted by the US, Canada and Mexico, starts on June 12.

There has been a "chilling" effect on the voice of footballers concerned that speaking up about human rights abuses could cost them their World Cup dream, according to former Socceroos captain Craig Foster.

Human rights and geopolitical tensions, especially around the United States' immigration crackdown and Iran's participation in the tournament, are in the spotlight as the games approach.

Socceroos stalwart Jackson Irvine last month made global headlines when he said FIFA's awarding its inaugural Peace Prize to US President Donald Trump made a mockery of its own human rights charter.

Jackson Irvine has spoken out about FIFA handing Donald Trump a "peace prize". (Getty Images: Liza Rosales/ISI Photos)

"It's extraordinary that we've seen very few, if any, statements from any of the athletes participating in this tournament , no doubt because they realise the risks that that brings," Foster said.

The prominent human rights advocate was speaking on a media briefing held by the Sports & Rights Alliance and Human Rights Watch, which focused on a "climate of fear" in the US.

Foster said players faced censorship and would be concerned about the safety of their family, friends and colleagues, along with fans potentially being racially profiled by ICE, and couldn't fully focus on performance.

As the ethical questions of football come into view with the Qatar World Cup, the Socceroos midfielder isn't afraid to talk about them.

"But equally we've seen a very significant chilling effect on the voice of players, and on their right to speak out on various violations, many of which, of course, the US are participating in right now," Foster said.

"So we've seen, certainly, a reduction in players speaking about any human rights issues or issues of international law, or various conflicts around the world in the room of this World Cup.

"And undoubtedly because players will know that that would have almost certainly prejudiced their opportunity to actually travel to the US, be granted a visa and participate in their own World Cup."

Germany's football director, Rudi Voeller, urged squad members this week to av