The Qatari capital was awarded the IAAF's flagship event on Tuesday (November 18) but the decision has been criticised because of the country's alleged mistreatment of migrant workers involved in the construction of many of the facilities being built for the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

A recent report from Amnesty International claimed Qatar is failing to tackle the abuse, although Doha 2019 have insisted appropriate precautions to ensure workers rights will be taken.

More than 180 workers died in the country last year and a significant number are believed to have suffered injuries as a result of unsafe working practices,

Rutherford hopes athletes and governing bodies will have the courage to "speak out" and "cause problems" if subsequent details emerge of mistreatment and abuse of migrant workers.

"Ultimately, we're not in the dark ages any more," said the 28-year-old, speaking after being named British Athletics Writers' Association (BAWA) male athlete of the year.

"We need to make sure those sorts of things are sorted.

"The only way you're going to change people in that way, is by not going to the event.

"If an athlete feels strong enough to not be involved, I'd wholeheartedly support them."

Jo Pavey admitted she would "feel uncomfortable" competing in Doha ©Getty Images



The 2014 Commonwealth and European gold medallist hopes Doha's success in beating rival bids from Barcelona and Eugene was based on a "safe and good environment" for its workers.

"Nobody should lose their life in the creation of a sporting venue," he added.

"I'd like to think everyone involved with the bid, and the subsequent building of the facilities, are going to stick to the rules."

Britain's European 10,000 metre champion Jo Pavey, who collected the female title at the BAWA awards, admitted she would "feel uncomfortable" competing in Doha.

The 41-year-old likened the trepidation to that which many athletes felt ahead of the Beijing 2008 Olympic and Paralympic Games, when there were concerns about human rights, security and pollution in the host city. 

"Human rights are obviously much more important than sport," she said.

"As athletes, it's very difficult for us when we don't get to choose where the Championships are held.

"Going towards Beijing in 2008, we were put in that kind of position and it does make you feel uncomfortable."

British politician Clive Efford, Labour's Shadow Minister for Sport, also expressed his opposition when Doha was named as the chosen candidate.

"The IAAF must be aware of the scandal of the treatment of migrant workers in Qatar," he said.

"This is an appalling decision that risks bringing the sport into disrepute.

"I urge the IAAF to reconsider their decision."

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