FIFA has come under fire for dismissing recommendations from its own human rights subcommittee concerning compensation for workers involved in the Qatar 2022 World Cup. The controversy revolves around the findings of this committee, which was aimed at addressing the plethora of human rights violations faced by many migrant workers during the tournament's preparation and execution.
On December 1, 2024, FIFA published the long-awaited report, which highlighted the glaring need for remedial actions. According to the subcommittee, FIFA must accept its part in addressing the unequal treatment and compensation of the workers who toiled under dire conditions. It stated unequivocally, "There are workers who have contributed to the resounding success of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 who have not yet benefited from any, or any adequate, remediation." This conclusion echoed sentiments already voiced by human rights advocates who have long decried the treatment of laborers within Qatar.
The report detailed significant human rights repercussions from 2010 through 2022. Many workers experienced severe detriments, including deaths, injuries, illnesses, and widespread instances of wage theft. Nearly all these workers, hailing from various South Asian nations, were caught up in the kafala system, which has been heavily criticized for enabling exploitation. Many found themselves laden with debt as they struggled to pay fees for their jobs.
Despite these findings, FIFA announced the establishment of a $50 million legacy fund meant for social programs and initiatives with organizations like the World Health Organization and UNHCR. This decision, rather than alleviating concerns, ignited backlash among human rights organizations. Amnesty International labeled this fund as wholly inadequate, asserting it ignored the plight of families affected by worker deaths and exploitation.
Interestingly, the report was submitted to FIFA nearly 11 months prior, and the delay sparked speculation about FIFA's intent to suppress uncomfortable truths. Amnesty's Head of Labour Rights, Steve Cockburn, pointed out the report's conclusion: FIFA bears responsibility for ensuring the necessary compensation to those workers impacted by the events surrounding the World Cup. He argued, "It is no mystery why FIFA has sought to keep this independent report hidden for so long – it clearly concludes the organization has responsibilities to compensate hundreds of thousands of workers who suffered abuses connected to the 2022 World Cup."
The Norwegian Football Federation (NFF) originally prompted FIFA’s investigation, voicing the call for effective compensation measures for workers affected by the events surrounding the tournament. This appeal came as many workers were still waiting for remuneration and other forms of reparation. For NFF president Lise Klaveness, the situation is clear: FIFA must implement the recommendations and honor its commitment to the workers.
FIFA's spokesperson claimed comprehensive reviews were conducted, adding, “While all recommendations could not be met, practical and impactful elements were retained.” Yet, this has done little to assuage the doubts surrounding the organization’s commitment to addressing these pressing humanitarian issues.
The debate continues, with FIFA claiming its legacy fund was created to facilitate change. Critics, meanwhile, argue it sidesteps the issue of direct compensation for the workers who provided so much for the World Cup's success. FIFA's narrative has repeatedly highlighted other forms of support provided to workers, such as the Workers' Support and Insurance Fund established back in 2018, which reportedly assisted with over $350 million paid for non-salary related incidents.
After the World Cup ended, only three national federations – Norway, the Netherlands, and Denmark – had pursued follow-ups on the human rights situation for migrant workers. The fact remains troubling as it indicates widespread indifference from larger governing bodies and the world of football, leaving Klaveness to voice her concerns alone.
“The Legacy Fund is not a substitute for remedy or compensation for human rights violations,” Klaveness stated, emphasizing the need for proper reparations for those affected by the World Cup. Observers of this situation are caught between the stark realities faced by these workers and the global sports organization’s reluctance to accept its ethical obligations.
This situation brings several broader issues to the forefront—primarily the question of ethical accountability for sports organizations. FIFA's track record on human rights has always been problematic, but the refusal to act appropriately on the recommendations of its own committee raises serious questions about the organization’s integrity and commitment to protecting the rights of vulnerable communities.
Gianni Infantino, FIFA's president, has often been on the defensive, particularly when discussing the treatment of migrant workers, and the entire episode surrounding the Qatar World Cup may yet haunt the organization. Until FIFA takes tangible action to rectify these past wrongs, the scars left behind by its dramatic rise to power within the global sports arena will only deepen, distressing both the worker and football fans alike.
The growing chorus of voices calling for change is not limited to just governmental bodies or NGOs; football fans too are becoming increasingly aware of these issues and are pressuring the organization for accountability. The silence around worker exploitation is growing deafening, paving the way for more calls for ethical governance within FIFA and sporting industries worldwide.
Whether FIFA can redeem itself from this turbulent period is uncertain. What is evident is the imperative for transparent, direct compensation for the workers who made this major sporting event not only possible but extraordinary. With the spotlight now firmly on FIFA’s operations and the increasingly vocal global community, change could be on the horizon, providing there is enough determination to demand it.
