Company statement concerning the 2022 FIFA World Cup

I feel that this is a subject on which Optimus Mortgages must comment.

Our vision at Optimus Mortgages has always been to celebrate and support activities and sport for all members of the community, and we are proud to have a partnership with Spennymoor Town Football Club and Swanage Bowling Club.

We all saw how important access to sports, activities, clubs, and general outdoors life became to people throughout the country during the pandemic. Sport enables us to unwind and recharge at the same time, and we know that is felt across all communities from the vast amount of people we see out and about engaging in the many social groups for their chosen discipline.

The FIFA World Cup starts on this Sunday and normally this would be an exciting and joyous occasion, bringing together fans from all over the world. Unfortunately, the awarding of the 2022 FIFA World Cup to Qatar created a number of concerns and controversies regarding Qatar's suitability as a host country.

As a company, we feel that Qatar’s human rights record, the deeply concerning stories concerning migrant worker contracts and deaths, and the strict social laws in the country mean that we cannot support the 2022 FIFA World Cup being held there, and as a result we will be boycotting all aspects of the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

Optimus Mortgages is only a small company, and whilst this statement will not affect the running of the 2022 FIFA World Cup, we feel that it is important as an inclusive company to challenge things that we do not feel are right.

If, like us, you love football, but are against the 2022 FIFA World Cup being held in Qatar, use the next six weeks as an opportunity to find your local non-league football club and go and watch both their men’s and women’s teams play. They will definitely appreciate the support.