COPENHAGEN, Sept 29, 2022 (AFP) - Denmark will wear a "toned down" kit at
this year's World Cup in protest at Qatar's human rights record, sportswear
maker Hummel said Wednesday, setting off a furious response from the Gulf
state.

Qatar's organising committee accused Hummel of "trivialising" the country's
efforts to improve conditions for migrant workers and called on the Danish
federation to intervene.

The logo of the Danish sportswear brand and the Danish national badge are
both barely visible on the shirts designed for the World Cup that starts on
November 20.

Several competing nations and rights groups have criticised Qatar's rights
record and FIFA for allowing the event to be held in the conservative Muslim
state where homosexuality is illegal.

Hummel said the new jerseys were "a protest against Qatar and its human
rights record," Hummel wrote in a post on Instagram.

"We don't wish to be visible during a tournament that has cost thousands of
people their lives," the company said in an Instagram post that referred to
reports of casualties among migrant labourers working on Qatar's mega
infrastructure projects.

"We support the Danish national team all the way, but that isn't the same as
supporting Qatar as a host nation."

In addition to the main red strip and a second jersey in white, a black and
grey third strip was a sign of "mourning", the kit company said.

Denmark's training jerseys will carry "critical messages" after the two
sponsors agreed to have their logos replaced.

Qatar's World Cup organisers, the Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy,
gave a stern response that highlighted "significant reforms to the labour
system" to protect workers and "ensuring improved living conditions for
them."

The committee added that there has been "robust and transparent dialogue"
with the Danish federation, the DBU, that had led to "a better understanding
of the progress made".

"We dispute Hummel's claim that this tournament has cost thousands of people
their lives. Furthermore, we whole-heartedly reject the trivialising (of) our
genuine commitment to protect the health and safety of the 30,000 workers who
built FIFA World Cup stadiums and other tournament projects."

Qatar says that only three labourers died in work-related accidents during
the construction of the eight stadiums in the Doha region. It has been
accused of under reporting deaths on wider construction however.

The committee said Qatar's reforms had been "recognised" by some
international human rights groups "as a model that has accelerated progress
and improved lives".

"Like every country, progress on these issues is a journey without a finish
line, and Qatar is committed to that journey," said the statement.

"We urge the DBU to accurately convey the outcome of their extensive
communication and work with the Supreme Committee, and to ensure that this is
accurately communicated to their partners at Hummel."

Qatar has also been criticised for its treatment of the LGBTQ community.

England captain Harry Kane has said he will wear a "OneLove" armband during
the World Cup as part of a Dutch campaign to take a stand against
discrimination.

France, Belgium, Germany, Norway, Sweden, Wales and Switzerland are also
supporting the campaign.