The SFA have defended their decision to play Qatar in a friendly, arguing that the match should be separated from concerns over “serious human rights issues” in the Gulf state.
Scotland will face the proposed 2022 World Cup hosts at Easter Road on Friday night as they warm up for their biggest game in years.
National coach Gordon Strachan will use the Qatar clash to sharpen up his players ahead of the crucial Euro 2016 qualifier against the Republic of Ireland in Dublin on June 13.
However, concerns have been raised over the morality of facing the Qataris due to the high death toll among construction workers, most of whom are migrants, employed to build the venues for the World Cup.
Some Scots fans have threatened to stay away from the game at the home of Hibs but the SFA have made a case for going ahead.
In a statement, the governing body said: “The Scottish FA wishes to clarify its position in respect of the forthcoming international match against Qatar this month and the separate concern of the human rights issues experienced by migrant workers in Qatar.
“As noted recently by Amnesty International, it is important that universal reach of football can be used in a positive manner to highlight inequalities and be a force for good.
“It is with this in mind that we welcome Qatar to Easter Road in June as part of their tour of the United Kingdom, having used The (English) FA’s St George’s Park training facility as a base before playing Northern Ireland on Sunday and Scotland this Friday.
“It is important to separate this sporting fixture from the serious human rights issues emanating from Qatar: the game was agreed with the national coach’s wish for a competitive fixture as part of preparations for the forthcoming European qualifier against Republic of Ireland as of paramount importance.
“As outlined above, Qatar’s availability in the United Kingdom represented an opportunity preferable to the few available alternatives on a date that is not on the official FIFA international calendar. We are grateful to the Qatar FA for their flexibility during their UK tour and to Qatar Airways for sponsoring the match.
“Nonetheless, we are also cognisant of disturbing reports on the conditions experienced by migrant workers involved in the building of stadia for the forthcoming FIFA World Cup in 2022.
“For the avoidance of doubt, the Scottish FA condemns any behaviour that compromises human rights and, in conjunction with the Scottish Government, we have already stated our joint offer to provide practical support.
“This was offered after a hugely successful Commonwealth Games held in Glasgow which reiterated Scotland’s ability to host world-class events in a safe and sustainable manner. That offer remains open and we have reiterated our position to the Scottish Government in that regard.
“The Scottish FA has also demonstrated its commitment to humanitarian aid by helping to raise £1.5m for UNICEF’s Ebola Appeal during the recent Scotland v England international match.
“We have been in contact with Amnesty International to outline our position and to ensure positive and productive dialogue in the lead-up to the Qatar match and beyond.”