The report commissioned by FIFA regarding the treatment of workers during the hosting of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar has brought to light some troubling findings. The report highlights the harsh conditions faced by many migrant workers who were involved in the construction of the infrastructure for the World Cup. These workers, mostly from countries in South Asia, were subjected to long hours, low pay, and poor living conditions.
The report recommends that FIFA take responsibility for the well-being of these workers and provide compensation for those who have suffered as a result of their involvement in the World Cup. This recommendation comes as a response to growing concerns about the treatment of migrant workers in Qatar, where the kafala system has been criticized for its exploitation and abuse of foreign laborers.
The kafala system, which is prevalent in many Gulf countries, ties a worker’s visa to their employer, giving the employer significant control over the worker’s movements and employment conditions. This system has been widely criticized for enabling exploitation and abuse, as workers are often unable to leave their jobs or seek better opportunities without their employer’s permission.
In the case of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, migrant workers were brought in to work on the construction of stadiums, hotels, and other infrastructure for the event. Many of these workers faced dangerous working conditions, with reports of accidents, injuries, and even deaths on construction sites. In addition to the physical risks, workers also faced poor living conditions, inadequate wages, and limited access to healthcare.
The report commissioned by FIFA acknowledges these issues and calls for action to address the harm suffered by migrant workers. It recommends that FIFA work with the Qatari government and other stakeholders to provide compensation to workers who have been affected by the World Cup construction projects. This compensation could take the form of financial assistance, access to healthcare, or support for workers seeking to improve their living and working conditions.
In addition to compensation, the report also suggests that FIFA take steps to prevent similar problems from occurring in the future. This could include implementing stronger oversight and monitoring of working conditions in host countries, as well as promoting fair labor practices and worker rights in the construction industry.
The findings of this report are a stark reminder of the human cost of hosting major sporting events like the World Cup. While these events can bring prestige and economic benefits to host countries, they can also exacerbate existing inequalities and exploitation within the labor force. It is essential for organizations like FIFA to take responsibility for the impact of their events on workers and to ensure that all individuals involved in the preparation and hosting of the World Cup are treated fairly and with respect.
Moving forward, FIFA must prioritize the well-being of workers and take concrete steps to address the harm caused by the 2022 World Cup. This includes providing compensation to workers who have suffered, implementing reforms to prevent similar problems in the future, and working to promote fair labor practices in the construction industry. By taking these actions, FIFA can demonstrate its commitment to upholding human rights and ensuring that the World Cup is not achieved at the expense of vulnerable workers.