"Watford cancel friendly with Qatar after fan concerns over human rights record", 27 Jun 2022

Watford have cancelled a friendly against the Qatar national team after two supporters’ groups voiced concerns about the country’s human rights record.

The two groups – Women of Watford (WOW) and Proud Hornets – had urged the club to display their support for “all human rights, the LGBT+ community and women’s rights” at the game but the fixture will no longer take place.

“The game was never finalised and it became abundantly clear this was a game not to play; as such, the schedule was revised,” a club spokesperson said in a statement.

Qatar’s Football Association (QFA) said it had received a number of offers from European clubs, including Watford, to play friendly matches.

“WOW and Proud Hornets are delighted that Watford FC has listened to our concerns and cancelled the game with Qatar,” the two groups said in a joint statement on Twitter. “We look forward to continuing our discussions with the club on all equality, diversity and inclusion issues.”