World Cup 2018: 'Salah used for political capital' as Chechnya host Egypt training
Last updated on .From the section World Cup
Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov used Mohamed Salah for "political capital" by being pictured with the Egypt star, says an anti-discrimination chief.
Egypt's World Cup base is in the former war-torn Russian republic, where Kadyrov's regime has been criticised for alleged human rights abuses.
Piara Powar, of Fare Network, said Fifa had made a "big mistake" in allowing Chechnya to host a training base.
Kadyrov defended his human rights record to the BBC earlier this year.
Speaking in January, he insisted all reports of extrajudicial killings and torture of gay people in Chechnya were "made up".
Football's world governing body Fifa has always maintained its commitment to protecting human rights and earlier this year said it had "no grounds to believe that the choice of the Egyptian FA to locate its base camp in Grozny will cause particular adverse human rights impacts".
But Powar, executive director of Fare Network, told BBC sports editor Dan Roan: "We have raised concerns about Chechnya being a training base for a long time.
"If you know Kadyrov and follow the way he runs the region then you knew at some point he was going to try to gain some political capital, and I think he's done that.
"The allegations flying around about how gay Chechens have been tortured and killed, their families persecuted, this is not a good moment a day or two before the World Cup kicks off.
"It exemplifies the dangers of coming to places where human rights are at risk and not valued in the way they should be valued. I think Fifa have made a big mistake here allowing that training ground to be situated in Chechnya."
And Amnesty International said the photo with Salah was "pure sportswashing".
Allan Hogarth, Amnesty's head of policy and government affairs, added: "Ramzan Kadyrov was always going to see Mo Salah as a walking photo-opportunity, but Liverpool and Egypt football fans should look at the reality behind this cheerful-looking photograph.
"During Kadyrov's authoritarian rule in Chechnya there have been a stream of reports of enforced disappearance, of detainees being tortured and even extrajudicial executions.
"Journalists, those perceived to be gay and anyone pursuing human rights activism is at acute risk in Chechnya. A smiling photo with Mo Salah isn't going to wash away Ramzan Kadyrov's sinister human rights record."
Campaign group Human Rights Watch has lobbied Fifa over its decision to allow Chechnya to host a training camp for the World Cup.
Salah still doubtful for opener
Salah remains a doubt to face Uruguay in Egypt's World Cup opener on Friday, says the country's football association.
The Liverpool forward, 25, sustained a shoulder injury following a challenge by Sergio Ramos during his side's defeat by Real Madrid in the Champions League final last month.
"He is gradually getting better but I cannot confirm he will play in the first match," said Egyptian FA managing director Ehab Lehita.
"All I can say is that we hope he will play in this match."
