In brief
A confidential report recommends that FIFA compensate migrant workers injured or killed during the Qatar World Cup construction. Amnesty International estimates a compensation fund of at least $440 million is warranted, though FIFA has yet to release specific compensation amounts, stating it will consider impactful recommendations from the report.
An unpublished report commissioned by FIFA has urged the soccer governing body to take direct responsibility for the unaddressed injuries and fatalities suffered by migrant workers during the construction of the Qatar World Cup in 2022. The tournament marked the first time the event was held in the Middle East, yet it has been marred by allegations of worker mistreatment, including injuries and even deaths while developing infrastructure such as hotels, a subway network, and multiple stadiums.Some sources familiar with the report say it recommends that FIFA provide compensation to workers affected by the construction efforts, including support for families of those who lost their lives. However, the report does not specify the amount that should be compensated. Human rights organization Amnesty International had previously called for a substantial compensation fund of at least $440 million for victims, yet FIFA has to date made no payments.In a statement, FIFA acknowledged that while all reports and recommendations were considered during their review process, not all could be implemented, highlighting that some practical and impactful elements were retained. The statement further clarified that the internal report does not serve as a legal assessment of FIFA's obligation to provide remedies.The report has remained confidential as FIFA deliberated on its release. Nonetheless, FIFA has pledged to publish the findings by the end of this year, amidst rising calls for accountability in light of the controversies surrounding labor conditions linked to the World Cup preparations.
