The clubs have taken very different stances on human rights issues this week. Commercial interests do not absolve them of social responsibilitiesTwo of England’s most prestigious Premier League football clubs, both owned by US investors, have been confronted by international human rights abuses in recent days, and responded with starkly contrasting positions. Campaigners had asked the club to consider using its reputational power to highlight the deaths of many young men working on construction projects in baking heat. The club released a statement via Chinese social media disowning Özil’s concern for his fellow Muslims, who are suffering persecution and mass incarceration in detention camps. Nobody is calling on football clubs to devote themselves to politics – but when they have the opportunity to employ their power in a just cause, they should not miss the target.

Source: The Guardian December 18, 2019 18:25 UTC