Retired Socceroos star and expert commentator Craig Foster has praised the Australian team for its stance against Qatar’s human rights record ahead of next month’s World Cup in the country.

The human rights advocate told Liam Bartlett on 6PR Mornings Qatar’s security services have arrested and beaten lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people in the build up to the world’s biggest sports tournament. Homosexuality and transvestism are illegal in Qatar, and the Human Rights Watch group claims migrant workers are also disadvantaged terribly in the country.

“From the players’ perspective, I’m not huge on boycotts … it’s a wonderful example of the power of sport to go to these countries and force them to change,” Foster said.

Tap PLAY to hear from Foster on the concerns of the Socceroos

A message from the Socceroos. pic.twitter.com/Sd2R6ej8kK

— Socceroos (@Socceroos) October 26, 2022