In brief
With no financial details yet shared, the call for accountability raises concerns about workers' rights in major sporting events.
The FIFA World Cup in Qatar in 2022 marked a significant milestone as the first in the Middle East. However, it was marred by troubling reports of injuries and fatalities among the migrant workers who built new infrastructures, including stadiums and transportation systems, needed for the event. An internal report commissioned by FIFA has surfaced, recommending that the organization should compensate workers who were injured during the construction efforts, as well as provide support to the families of those who lost their lives.While the report has not specified any exact compensation amounts, it aligns with advocacy from organizations like Amnesty International, which suggested a $440 million compensation fund for those affected. To date, FIFA has not disbursed any compensation to the workers or their families, leaving many in precarious situations.In response to inquiries regarding the internal report, a FIFA spokesperson acknowledged that they had reviewed all recommendations but mentioned that not all could be acted upon. The study remains unpublished but is expected to be made public by the end of the year, reflecting FIFA's struggle with the implications of its findings.
