BERNE: FIFA President Sepp Blatter has expressed confidence that the labour rights situation in 2022 World Cup host nation Qatar would change.
Blatter met International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC) President Michael Sommer three days after Amnesty International published a report on migrant workers in the country. FIFA said in a statement it agreed that “fair working conditions must be introduced quickly, consistently and on a sustained basis” in Qatar.
“Economic and political leaders must contribute to improving the unacceptable situation in Qatar,” Blatter said in the statement. “That is why I welcome the initiative shown by the... ITUC because together we can achieve change.
“I am convinced that Qatar is taking the situation very seriously. These very discussions about Qatar show just what an important role football can play in generating publicity and thus, bringing about change.” FIFA said its executive committee member Theo Zwanziger would continue talks with the ITUC and other human rights and labour organisations.
“The aim is to be in a position to report on concrete measures for Qatar at the executive committee meeting in March 2014,” Zwanziger said. “Large companies must be reminded of their duties in this area. The international community must also accept its responsibility.” Reuters
