Amnesty International, a human rights organization, has asked FIFA to allocate at least $440 Million to compensate migrants who were allegedly abused during preparations for the 2022 World Cup.
Amnesty International and other human rights organizations sent an open letter to FIFA President Gianni Intino. They suggested that the governing body of world soccer should collaborate with Qatar to establish a comprehensive program to address all labor abuses.
The letter stated that hundreds of thousands of migrant workers had not been compensated for the serious labour abuses they sustained while building and maintaining infrastructure necessary for the delivery and preparation of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022. It took six months for this to be resolved.
"FIFA should not reduce the prize money of US$440 Million offered to World Cup teams, which can be used to invest in funds for remediation."
The treatment of migrant workers in Qatar has come under fire during the tournament's build-up.
Amnesty International claims that the problems, including unsafe working conditions, and long hours, are widespread in the country.
In the letter, it was stated that Qatari authorities "failed to investigate causes of death of thousands of migrants workers since 2010".
It acknowledged the achievements made in protecting workers' rights in the country but said that it was too late. The country's "kafala sponsor system" allowed employers to abuse migrant workers without any consequences.
"While it might be too late for past abuses to be erased, FIFA and Qatar can and must act to provide redress, and prevent future abuses," stated Agnes Callamard Secretary General of Amnesty International.
"Providing compensation for workers who contributed so much to the tournament and taking steps to ensure such abuses don't happen again could be a significant turning point in FIFA’s commitment to human rights respect."
FIFA Response
FIFA stated that it was pleased to see Amnesty acknowledge labor reforms in Qatar and said it was working with Qatar's Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy on "unprecedented due diligence" regarding protection of workers who were involved in World Cup preparations.
It stated that it was currently evaluating the Amnesty International programme, but that the report included "a broad range of non-FIFA World Cup-specific infrastructures built since 2010".
"When companies in relation to FIFA World Cup breaches their obligations, FIFA or the SC work to ensure that the wrong is rectified by the entity that caused it, usually the employer of the worker," a FIFA spokesperson stated in a statement to CNN.
"As a result of the Workers' welfare initiatives by the tournament organizers, many workers received remediation in different forms, including payment of outstanding wages and repayment of recruitment fees through SC's universal reimbursement program.
"In order to guarantee repayment of fees for recruitment, the SC has paid workers $22.6 million in December 2021. Contractors have contributed $5.7 million.
"Other forms of remediation are the strengthening of company practices to ensure non-repetition or punitive actions imposed by tournament organisers and the Ministry of Labour."
Infantino comments
SC stated that it had "worked tirelessly" to ensure the rights and respect of all workers involved in Qatar's FIFA World Cup projects.
Officials from Qatar have vigorously denied claims of worker rights violations in past statements.
Qatar 2022 Secretary General Hassan Al Thawadi stated earlier this year that Qatar had spent 12 years of consistent work dedicated to delivering a tournament which leaves truly transformative social, economic, and environmental legacies.
Amnesty International's most recent report was reacted to by Qatar's Ministry of Labour. It stated that Qatar's labour reforms would continue at a pace that guarantees holistic and lasting change.
The new report "undermines much of what has been achieved in goodwill." "Engagement will always yield greater results than condemnation, particularly when they are unreasonablely demanded," read the statement.
Infantino was questioned earlier this month about whether FIFA would offer any support to the families of those who have died during tournament preparations.
"When it comes down to the construction of World Cup stadiums -- We are investigating all these matters avec external entities -- it actually is three persons who died," said he, responding to criticisms levelled at FIFA and Qatari officials regarding migrant workers.
"When you give work to someone, even in difficult conditions, you give him dignity. It is not charity. It's not charity.
You don't give anything to someone and then say, "OK, stay where I am." "I feel good because you can give me something.
The 2022 World Cup will be held between November 21st and December 18th later in the year.