Australia swerve rights issues to focus on World Cup opener
Australia swerve rights issues to focus on World Cup opener

Australian players refuse to expand on their comments about Qatar's human rights record, saying they are fully focused on a daunting World Cup opener against defending champions France.

The Gulf state has come under intense scrutiny over its treatment of migrant workers, women and the LGBTQ community in the run-up to the tournament, which starts on November 20.

The Socceroos released a video last month featuring 16 players, in which they spoke out against rights abuses in Qatar, although they acknowledged progress had been made.