Subcommittee Calls for Worker Compensation, but FIFA Redirects Funds

A long-delayed FIFA report on the human rights legacy of the Qatar World Cup was finally published, revealing the organization’s rejection of its key recommendation. FIFA’s human rights subcommittee argued that the $50 million legacy fund should compensate workers harmed during the 2022 tournament. Instead, FIFA allocated the fund to global development projects.

The report, commissioned in March 2023 and delayed for nearly a year, highlights that “severe human rights impacts” occurred in Qatar between 2010 and 2022, with FIFA bearing partial responsibility. While acknowledging improvements in worker conditions, the subcommittee emphasized the need for financial remedy through the legacy fund. However, days before publication, FIFA announced the fund would support initiatives with the World Health Organization, World Trade Organization, and UNHCR.

 

Human Rights Obligations and FIFA’s Response

Lise Klaveness, president of the Norwegian Football Federation, welcomed the report’s release, underscoring its significance in clarifying FIFA’s human rights responsibilities. She stressed that the report ties FIFA’s obligations to its statutes, particularly Article 6, which commits FIFA to remediation efforts for adverse human rights impacts.

FIFA defended its decision, stating that while not all recommendations were feasible, the legacy fund will still serve global communities. A spokesperson highlighted the establishment of a workers’ support fund in Qatar since 2018.

 

Saudi Arabia’s 2034 World Cup Bid Draws Scrutiny

The report’s release coincides with FIFA’s upcoming vote to approve Saudi Arabia as the 2034 World Cup host. Despite criticism over the kingdom’s human rights record, FIFA’s assessment rated the risk of violations as “medium.” The bid is described as a “strong proposition” and could be approved without formal voting.

Klaveness reiterated that while global projects are valuable, they cannot replace direct remedies for affected workers.