German Construction Industry Fires Back At Accusations Made By Sepp Blatter

Germany's construction industry "has reacted with outrage to the accusations of FIFA President Sepp Blatter," according to FOCUS. Blatter said that German companies "are to blame for the poor working conditions at World Cup construction sites in Qatar." Essen-based construction company Hochtief said that during previous projects the construction sites "were inspected daily and included cooling rooms as well as a medical center to combat the extreme heat." In addition, during Ramadan the working hours "were reduced from eight to six." The Main Association of the German Construction Industry (HDB) said, "German companies do not adjust their regulations downwards to meet local minimum standards." The same "is true for sub-contractors" (FOCUS, 4/26).