FIFA President Sepp Blatter "has responded to criticism about slave-like conditions at World Cup construction sites in Qatar," according to Katrin Terpitz of HANDELSBLATT. At a regional business initiative meeting on Friday evening in Mönchengladbach, Germany, Blatter "dismissed general criticism of the governing body regarding human-rights problems in Qatar." He said that "it is first and foremost the duty of Qatar to address those problems." Blatter: "Things have happened that shouldn't have, but all have to take responsibility." He also "mentioned big companies, especially those from Germany and France, which are building homes, railroads and other things for the World Cup." Blatter: "Big companies are maintaining a low profile here. They all have to contribute, otherwise it won't work." The 78-year-old said that he "has not reached out to those companies." He added, "They also haven't reached out to us yet." However, FIFA "is in discussion with the Int'l Trade Union Confederation, in particular with its President Michael Sommer, about working conditions at major construction sites." Another "group that has to take responsibility are clubs and organizations." Blatter said, "Football clubs and football organizations that travel to Doha on a regular basis to play games there also have to take responsibility" (HANDELSBLATT, 3/8).
