The World football governing body, FIFA has written to several countries including Ghana to focus on football in Qatar, following the controversial build-up to the 22nd edition of the FIFA World Cup.
With the tournament slated for November 20 to December 18, FIFA wants participating countries to stay focused on footballing reasons and nothing more.
Host, Qatar has been criticised on several issues including same-sex relationships, its human rights record and its treatment of migrant workers.
FIFA in its letter, to participating teams including Ghana, urged them to stay focused on football and not to be “dragged” into ideological or political “battles”.
Adding that they should not be “handing out moral lessons”.
Peaceful protests have been planned by some players.
England’s Harry Kane and nine other captains of European teams will be wearing ‘One Love’ armbands.
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”.
Australia’s squad have released a video urging Qatar to abolish its laws on same-sex relationships.
Paris, and other French cities, are refusing to screen matches in public areas, despite France being the defending champions
“We know football does not live in a vacuum and we are equally aware that there are many challenges and difficulties of a political nature all around the world.
“But please do not allow football to be dragged into every ideological or political battle that exists.
It adds: “At Fifa, we try to respect all opinions and beliefs, without handing out moral lessons to the rest of the world. No one people or culture or nation is “better” than any other. This principle is the very foundation stone of mutual respect and non-discrimination.
“This is also one of the core values of football. So, please let’s all remember that and let football take centre stage.
“We have the unique occasion and opportunity to welcome and embrace everyone, regardless of origin, background, religion, gender, sexual orientation or nationality,” a letter signed by Fifa president Gianni Infantino and secretary general Fatma Samoura and seen by the BBC, read.
