FC Copenhagen pledge not to travel to Dubai for training camps due to human rights concerns

The club has pledged not to travel to the UAE in the future

FC Copenhagen have promised not to travel to Dubai for future training camps after criticism was levelled their way due to the United Arab Emirates' human rights record. They will, however, carry out this winter's planned training camp in Dubai due to contractual obligations. In a statement on their official website, the club explained that: "In connection with this winter's planned training camp for Dubai, there has been much debate and criticism from FCK fans about the choice of destination over the problems surrounding human rights in the United Arab Emirates. "FC Copenhagen's sporting management with manager Ståle Solbakken has therefore chosen not to travel on training camp to Dubai in the coming years. However, the club is contractually bound in relation to this winter's training camp, which is therefore being implemented." "The club has never had other motives other than training optimally for the spring season, but we understand and respect that it is a strong desire from our fans that we find another solution. We have chosen to listen to that." The United Arab Emirates has breached and continues to breach human rights relating to democracy, homosexuality and treatment of prisoners. The UAE does not have democratically elected institutions and citizens do not have the right to change their government or to form political parties. The government also restricts freedom of speech and censors local media to repress any criticism of the country's regime. For more information regarding the UAE's human rights record, visit Amnesty International.