Ten European football associations including those of England and Wales say human rights will always continue to matter and have issued a response after Fifa asked nations competing at the Qatar World Cup to "now focus on the football".

The world governing body recently wrote to all 32 teams regarding the morality and controversy that has clouded the host nation ahead of the competition.  

The Middle-east nation have faced criticism for their laws on same-sex relationships, as well as their awful human rights record and the inhumane treatment of migrant workers used to build statiums that cost billions of dollars.  

The Fifa letter was criticized by Human Rights Watch, Amnesty International and LGBT+ campaigners in England and Wales.

A joint statement issued by members of the Uefa Working Group on human rights and labour rights said they would continue to double down on Fifa for answers on outstanding issues surrounding migrant workers.

"We acknowledge, and welcome, as we have done in the past, that significant progress has been made by Qatar, particularly with regards to the rights of migrant workers, with the impact of legislative changes demonstrated in the International Labour Organisation's recent reports," said the statement.

"We welcome the assurances given by the Qatari Government and by Fifa regarding the safety, security, and inclusion of all fans who travel to the World Cup, including LGBTQ+ fans. We also recognise that every country has issues and challenges and we agree with Fifa that diversity is a strength.

"However, embracing diversity and tolerance also means supporting human rights. Human rights are universal and they apply everywhere."

Fifa's letter, signed by its president Gianni Infantino and secretary general Fatma Samoura, urged that football should not be mixed with political battles at the World Cup.

Denmark will wear "toned-down" shirts to protest against Qatar, with kit provider Hummel saying it "does not wish to be visible" in a tournament it claims "has cost thousands of lives", while Australia's squad have released a video urging Qatar to abolish its laws on same-sex relationships.

England's FA has backed calls for compensation to be awarded for "any injury or death related to any construction project" for the World Cup.

"We will continue to support the momentum for positive, progressive change and continue to advocate for a conclusive outcome and update on the two key outstanding issues we have been discussing with Fifa for a long time," the Uefa Working Group's statement continued.

"Fifa has repeatedly committed to deliver concrete answers on these issues - the compensation fund for migrant workers, and the concept of a migrant workers centre to be created in Doha - and we will continue to press for these to be delivered.

"We believe in the power of football to make further positive and credible contributions to progressive sustainable change in the world."