FIFA Calls For Fair Working Conditions In Qatar Ahead Of 2022 World Cup Construction

FIFA President Sepp Blatter and German Trade Unions and Int'l Trade Union Confederation President Michael Sommer agreed that fair working conditions must be introduced quickly, consistently and on a sustained basis in Qatar, which will host the 2022 World Cup. Blatter mandated Exec Committee member Dr. Theo Zwanziger to continue talks with the ITUC and involve human rights and labor organizations in the talks. After the meeting, Blatter said, "Economic and political leaders must contribute to improving the unacceptable situation in Qatar." German Football Federation (DFB) President Wolfgang Niersbach said, "The awarding of the World Cup and the considerable public exposure gives us the opportunity to point out irregularities and to exact lasting change. If we succeed, then a lot will have been achieved." Sommer said, "Qatar must guarantee the ILO's core labor standards and thus eliminate discrimination and forced labor as well as allow freedom of associations for its 1.3 million migrant workers" (FIFA).