DOHA: Emir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani is personally following up on the steps being taken to improve the condition of workers in Qatar, says FIFA.
Qatar does not only have FIFA 2022-related projects. It has long-term infrastructure projects as well, so it wants to improve the situation of all workers, said the FIFA chief.
These are long-term projects related to Qatar’s future and that’s why the welfare of all workers and not only those engaged in FIFA projects is important for the country, said Sepp Blatter.
“It is clear that Qatar takes its responsibility as host (of 2022 World Cup) seriously and sees the event as a catalyst for positive social change,” he said.
The head of the world soccer governing body was addressing a news conference in Zurich yesterday after a FIFA executive committee meeting, Qatar News Agency (QNA) reported.
“During my visit to Qatar last Saturday and Sunday, I discussed a number of important issues, including the November-December schedule of holding FIFA 2022.”
Blatter said his meeting with the Emir had a positive outcome. “During my stay in Doha I also discussed the issue of workers who are involved in preparations for the World Cup.”
It was encouraging to hear the Emir’s personal commitment to workers’ welfare and to get a sense of the improvements planned for all workers in Qatar, said Blatter.
Things are going in the right direction in all respects with regard to Qatar’s preparations for the 2022 World Cup, he said.
“Qatar’s doors are open and it welcomes visits and follow-up actions on its preparations for the 2022 event.”
“FIFA can send at any time individuals or committees to follow up on the work progressing on the ground,” said Blatter.
Talking about the 2018 World Cup fixture in Russia, he called for an end to “political interference in sports” by the European Parliament and said the 2018 fixture will indeed take place there.
“The World Cup will take place in Russia in 2018, that’s sure,” said Blatter. “They are working very hard and a boycott of a World Cup or of any sporting event has never brought any solutions to anybody.”
“On the contrary, in Russia, the World Cup will be able to stabilise the situation this region of Europe is suffering from. I am sure football is stronger than any other movement.”
Football is never affected by wars, Blatter said.
About his election, he said he was fully confident of victory and would not be pressed into taking decisions to suit others’ agenda.
Having been in senior administrative positions in sports for 40 years, out of them 17 years as FIFA president, Blatter said his long, unbeatable experience was his strength and consequently, his poll plank.
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