In a development that has sent shockwaves through the international football community, FIFA, the governing body of world soccer, has apparently chosen to disregard crucial recommendations from its own human rights subcommittee regarding the compensation of workers adversely affected during the preparations for the 2022 Qatar World Cup. The long-awaited report, which was mysteriously delayed for nearly a year before its midnight release, has brought to light a disturbing lack of accountability within the organization.
Severe Human Rights Impacts Acknowledged
The FIFA subcommittee on human rights and social responsibility, tasked with examining the legacy of the controversial Qatar tournament, has unequivocally stated in its findings that FIFA bears a responsibility to provide financial remedy to workers who suffered losses and harm as a result of World Cup-related employment. The report argues that FIFA’s $50 million legacy fund, ostensibly earmarked for such purposes, should be utilized to compensate these individuals.
An independent assessment by the respected consultancy Human Level, included within the report, acknowledges that while FIFA and Qatari authorities did implement measures to improve working conditions, “a number of severe human rights impacts” still occurred between 2010 and 2022. Shockingly, the assessment contends that “a credible argument can be made that FIFA contributed to some of the impacts” suffered by workers connected to World Cup projects.
FIFA’s Obligations Under UN Guiding Principles
As a signatory to the United Nations’ Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, FIFA is beholden to a higher standard of responsibility for the impact of its activities. Article 6 of FIFA’s own statutes clearly states:
“FIFA is committed to providing for or cooperating in remediation where it has caused or contributed to adverse human rights impacts.”
Lise Klaveness, president of the Norwegian Football Federation and a driving force behind the report’s creation, emphasized the significance of this acknowledgement, stating that “these responsibilities are not just [the result of] political pressure or media pressure, it’s actually within the statutes of FIFA and need implementation.”
Legacy Fund Diverted, Remedy Denied
However, in a move that has confounded human rights advocates, FIFA announced just two days before the report’s release that the $50 million legacy fund would instead be allocated to development projects in cooperation with various UN agencies. While Klaveness commended these initiatives as “very positive,” she stressed that they are “in no way a substitute for the remedy that is pointed out in this report.”
FIFA, for its part, has defended the decision, claiming that “all reports and recommendations were considered” and that “practical and impactful elements were retained.” The organization argues that the legacy fund’s reallocation was unanimously endorsed by the FIFA Council. Critics, however, point out that this sidesteps the core issue of worker compensation.
Looming Controversy Over Saudi Arabia’s 2034 Bid
The fallout from FIFA’s apparent disregard for its human rights obligations comes at a particularly sensitive time, as the organization prepares to vote on Saudi Arabia’s bid to host the 2034 World Cup. Despite widespread criticism of the kingdom’s human rights record, a FIFA assessment has described the Saudi proposal as a “very strong all-round” one, with human rights risks deemed merely “medium.”
This characterization has raised eyebrows among NGOs, trade unions, and legal experts who argue that Saudi Arabia’s track record should disqualify it from consideration. Disturbingly, there are indications that the Saudi bid, along with a competing pan-European one for 2030, may be approved by “acclamation” – a simple round of applause – rather than a formal vote at the upcoming FIFA Congress.
A Watershed Moment for FIFA’s Credibility
As the football world grapples with these revelations, the focus now turns to how FIFA will navigate the intensifying scrutiny of its human rights record and the growing clamor for transparency and accountability. The Qatar World Cup worker compensation issue has become a litmus test for the organization’s commitment to its stated principles and its willingness to confront uncomfortable truths.
For the countless workers who toiled under harsh conditions to make the 2022 tournament a reality, the promise of remedy and justice hangs in the balance. As FIFA stands at this critical juncture, the eyes of the world are watching, demanding a reckoning that is long overdue.
