The world federation's African branch (ITUC-Africa), an organization representing 18 million African workers, has urged the world governing body of football, Fifa, to increase protection for migrant workers as Saudi Arabia launches the massive construction project required to host the World Championship 2034.
However, Fifa has rejected the demands, which included the appointment of an independent monitor to assess the conditions of migrant workers.
Responds in a letter
In a letter seen by The Guardian, Fifa's general secretary Mattias Grafström rejects the organization's demands and points to commitments already made by the Saudi authorities, according to documents drawn up in connection with the bid to host the championship.
Among other things, a "welfare system for workers to monitor compliance with labor standards for workers linked to the tournament" will be established, as Grafström describes it according to The Guardian.
However, the official Saudi document does not contain any formulation regarding a welfare system for migrant workers.
Furthermore, Grafström writes in the letter that Fifa plans to "engage constructively" with international labor organizations ahead of the World Championship.
"Promote positive change"
"The World Championship will put the spotlight on Saudi Arabia over the coming years, which can provide an opportunity for actors within and outside the country to promote positive change," he writes.
Approximately 10 million migrant workers are currently residing in Saudi Arabia and are expected to make up the majority of the workforce required to deliver the extensive infrastructure surrounding the World Championship. This includes, among other things, eleven new football arenas, expanded transport networks, and up to 185,000 hotel rooms – a doubling compared to the current capacity.
Saudi Arabia was the only candidate to host the World Championship 2034.
