01.06.2015 19:39 h

Scots forced to defend Qatar clash

The Scottish Football Association has been forced to defend its decision to go ahead with a controversial friendly against Qatar at Easter Road this week.

Scotland manager Gordon Strachan arranged Friday's fixture against the 2022 World Cup hosts as a warm-up for his team's crucial 2016 European Championship qualifier against Republic of Ireland in Dublin later in June.

But concerns have been raised about the widely-reported plight of migrant workers in Qatar's World Cup construction sites and some have called for the Scottish FA to pull out of the international.

Qatar, who are based at the English Football Association's St George's Park training centre, drew 1-1 in a friendly against Northern Ireland in Crewe on Sunday and the Scots have insisted there are no plans to postpone the tie.

"As noted recently by Amnesty International, it is important that universal reach of football can be used in a positive manner to highlight inequalities and be a force for good," an SFA statement read.

"It is with this in mind that we welcome Qatar to Easter Road in June as part of their tour of the United Kingdom, having used The FA's St George's Park training facility as a base before playing Northern Ireland on Sunday and Scotland this Friday.

"It is important to separate this sporting fixture from the serious human rights issues emanating from Qatar: the game was agreed with the national coach's wish for a competitive fixture as part of preparations for the forthcoming European Qualifier against Republic of Ireland as of paramount importance.

"As outlined above, Qatar's availability in the United Kingdom represented an opportunity preferable to the few available alternatives on a date that is not on the official FIFA international calendar.

"We are grateful to the Qatar FA for their flexibility during their UK tour and to Qatar Airways for sponsoring the match.

"None the less, we are also cognisant of disturbing reports on the conditions experienced by migrant workers involved in the building of stadia for the forthcoming FIFA World Cup in 2022.

"For the avoidance of doubt, the Scottish FA condemns any behaviour that compromises human rights and, in conjunction with the Scottish Government, we have already stated our joint offer to provide practical support.

"We have been in contact with Amnesty International to outline our position and to ensure positive and productive dialogue in the lead-up to the Qatar match and beyond."