FIFA insists migrant workers' conditions are changing in Qatar after Visa concerns
Wednesday 20 May 2015 22:07, UK
FIFA has insisted conditions for migrant workers are changing in Qatar after World Cup sponsor Visa expressed its "grave concern".
One of FIFA's biggest partners spoke out on Wednesday and urged action to help migrant workers in the country.
The conditions for migrant workers involved in construction work for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar have come under increasing scrutiny but football’s world governing body believes awarding the country the tournament has been a catalyst for "significant change".
A FIFA statement read: "FIFA has repeatedly urged publicly and with the highest authorities in Qatar that fair working conditions for all workers in Qatar are imperative.
"Migrant workers have been working for many global companies in Qatar for decades, yet only now is real change happening in their working conditions.
"While there are huge construction programs under way in Qatar that have no connection to the FIFA World Cup, it is clear that the FIFA World Cup is serving as a catalyst for significant change.
"FIFA, alongside trade unions and human rights organisations, will continue to urge the Qatari authorities to accomplish reforms and abolish the Kafala system. Ultimately, however, sustainable change in the whole country can only be reached in a collective effort with all stakeholders involved, including international companies and governments."
Visa had earlier released a statement which read: "We continue to be troubled by the reports coming out of Qatar related to the World Cup and migrant worker conditions.
"We have expressed our grave concern to FIFA and urge them to take all necessary actions to work with the appropriate authorities and organisations to remedy this situation and ensure the health and safety of all involved."
Visa has been a FIFA partner since 2007 and last year signed a new deal until 2022, which includes the Qatar tournament.
The International Trade Union Confederation had also urged FIFA to improve conditions for migrant workers in Qatar.
ITUC general secretary Sharan Burrow said: "If FIFA is serious about this, they can turn it around. They can turn it around, but they choose not to."
