14.10.2016 Fifa threatened with legal action over alleged complicity in mistreatment of migrant workers in Qatar

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/football/2016/10/10/fifa-threatened-with-legal-action-over-complicity-in-mistreatmen/ 1/17

ALL SECTIONS

Sport Football More

› Sport › Football

F

Fifa threatened with legal action over allegedcomplicity in mistreatment of migrant workers inQatar

Migrant labourers work on a construction site in Doha in Qatar CREDIT: AFP

By Ben Rumsby

10 OCTOBER 2016 • 12:39PM

ifa could be sued for awarding the 2022 World Cup to Qatar after being accused of

complicity in the mistreatment of migrant workers in the build-up to the

tournament.

The game’s governing body is facing legal action in the Swiss courts over its

controversial decision to hand its showpiece event to the tiny Gulf state, which has

share

  

14.10.2016 Fifa threatened with legal action over alleged complicity in mistreatment of migrant workers in Qatar

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/football/2016/10/10/fifa-threatened-with-legal-action-over-complicity-in-mistreatmen/ 2/17

been condemned over the death and inhumane abuse of foreign labourers building the

infrastructure that will enable it to stage the tournament.

The lawsuit is being threatened by the Netherlands Trade Union Confederation (FNV)

on behalf of a Bangladeshi called Nadim Sharaful Alam, who worked in Qatar between

2014 and 2016.

A letter sent to Fifa on Sunday night gave its new president, Gianni Infantino, three

weeks to pay damages to Alam or face going to court.

Then president Sepp Blatter reveals Qatar as the 2022 World Cup hosts CREDIT: GETTY IMAGES

If the action is successful, it could lead to tens of thousands of copycat claims running

into hundreds of millions of pounds against an organisation brought to its knees last

year by a criminal investigation which began shortly after Qatar was awarded the 2022

World Cup in December 2010.

Sponsored stories

 

Mansion Global

Where Do The Richest Americans Live?

JDPower.com

10 Most Popular Midsize SUVs and Crossovers

Recommended by

 

14.10.2016 Fifa threatened with legal action over alleged complicity in mistreatment of migrant workers in Qatar

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/football/2016/10/10/fifa-threatened-with-legal-action-over-complicity-in-mistreatmen/ 3/17

Alam is seeking compensation for material damages of 5,390.53 Swiss francs (£4,438.92)

and “just satisfaction to the amount of CHF 5,000 (£4,114.73) for the hardships he

endured”.

In a letter to Infantino accompanying a draft writ, lawyers acting for Alam demand Fifa

“acknowledge that it has acted wrongfully by awarding the World Cup 2022 to Qatar

without demanding the assurance that Qatar observes fundamental human and labour

rights vis-à-vis migrant construction workers whose work is related to the 2022 World

Cup”.

The letter has been addressed to Fifa's new president Gianni Infantino CREDIT: GETTY IMAGES

The letter says the organisation, which until February was led by Sepp Blatter, should

have demanded the abolition of the ‘kafala’ system under which migrant workers are

beholden to an in-country sponsor, something described as a form of modern slavery.

It adds: “Fifa’s legal responsibility arose at two distinctive moments in time: (1) when it

allowed Qatar to participate in the bidding contest for the World Cup 2022 and

subsequently selected Qatar as host of the 2022 World Cup; and (2) when it failed and

still is failing to take responsibility for the present fate of the migrant workers by not

demanding Qatar to reform its labour system.”

Fifa has repeatedly argued it cannot be held responsible for the “societal problems” in

countries which stage its tournaments, yet it has sought to ensure the World Cup is a

catalyst for change in Qatar.

  

14.10.2016 Fifa threatened with legal action over alleged complicity in mistreatment of migrant workers in Qatar

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/football/2016/10/10/fifa-threatened-with-legal-action-over-complicity-in-mistreatmen/ 4/17

QATAR WORLD CUP 2022 FIFA

The organising committee for the event also introduced minimum welfare standards

for those involved in projects for which it is responsible – mainly stadium construction –

although a report by Amnesty International in May found human rights abuses were

still taking place on such sites.

On the wider infrastructure projects for which the Supreme Committee for Delivery &

Legacy is not involved, the Qatari government commissioned an independent report

that made several recommendations in May 2014 on workers’ rights.

However, more than two years on, they have yet to be implemented in full.

In pinning part of the blame on Fifa, the FNV letter argues: “The World Cup 2022 is the

motivating force behind all these vast infrastructural projects.”

Follow Telegraph Football

Follow @telefootball

READ MORE ABOUT:

 

share

Telegraph Football19k likesLike Page

FOOTBALL MOST VIEWED

Uncertain pensions.Are you concerned?Plan your pension with us.

Find out more

 

14.10.2016 Fifa threatened with legal action over alleged complicity in mistreatment of migrant workers in Qatar

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/football/2016/10/10/fifa-threatened-with-legal-action-over-complicity-in-mistreatmen/ 5/17

 

How Mesut Ozil and Alexis Sanchez are taking Arsenal back to the days ofHenry and Bergkamp

13 Oct 2016, 3:17pm1Liverpool introduce youth wage cap to halt 'too much, too young' culture

13 Oct 2016, 12:00am2Nottingham Forest close to £50 million deal with US consortium

13 Oct 2016, 10:30pm3Arsenal prepared to double Hector Bellerin's wages to keep him away fromBarcelona's clutches

13 Oct 2016, 11:28am4Chelsea agree £60m-a-year kit sponsorship deal with Nike

17 May 2016, 10:30pm5Sponsored stories

 

Most Reliable 2016Luxury Crossovers andSUVs Over $60,000

JDPower.com

World’s Most ExpensiveHome Hits Market for€1 Billion

Mansion Global

Russian Billionaire GetsGreen Light for UpperEast Side Mega-MansionMansion Global

Top 10 States with theBest Household Income

GROCO CPAs & Advisors

Jennifer Lawrence,World’s Highest-PaidActress, is Making RealEstate MovesMansion Global

WWE Legend UltimateWarrior Passes Away

Muscle & Fitness

Recommended by

14.10.2016 Fifa threatened with legal action over alleged complicity in mistreatment of migrant workers in Qatar

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/football/2016/10/10/fifa-threatened-with-legal-action-over-complicity-in-mistreatmen/ 6/17

  

The Most DangerousCountries in the Worldto Travel to

Global Disease and Injury Impact | H…

10 Most Popular LuxuryCars

JDPower

These 50 Names AreGoing Extinct

MooseRoots | By Graphiq

Sport latest

Why an unbeaten Premier League record at this stage means finishing fourth and nowins from seven eventually leads to survival

14 Oct 2016, 10:10am

14.10.2016 Fifa threatened with legal action over alleged complicity in mistreatment of migrant workers in Qatar

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/football/2016/10/10/fifa-threatened-with-legal-action-over-complicity-in-mistreatmen/ 7/17

  

When is Chelsea vs Leicester City, what TV channel is it on and is Antonio Conte introuble?

14 Oct 2016, 9:51am

Chelsea sign £900m Nike contract - which Premier League teams have the biggest kitdeals? 

14 Oct 2016, 9:39am

14.10.2016 Fifa threatened with legal action over alleged complicity in mistreatment of migrant workers in Qatar

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/football/2016/10/10/fifa-threatened-with-legal-action-over-complicity-in-mistreatmen/ 8/17

  

Why Pep Guardiola will soon realise the Premier League is his toughest challenge yet

LUKE EDWARDS

14 Oct 2016, 9:30am

England's Bangledesh Test preparations hampered after first day of warm-up gamepostponed due to rain

14 Oct 2016, 8:54am

14.10.2016 Fifa threatened with legal action over alleged complicity in mistreatment of migrant workers in Qatar

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/football/2016/10/10/fifa-threatened-with-legal-action-over-complicity-in-mistreatmen/ 9/17

  

Liverpool vs Man Utd, Claudio Ranieri returns to Chelsea: 10 reasons to feel nostalgicabout this weekend's Premier League football

14 Oct 2016, 8:25am

Roberto Mancini explains Mario Balotelli training ground bust-up that led to striker'sMan City exit

14 Oct 2016, 8:13am

14.10.2016 Fifa threatened with legal action over alleged complicity in mistreatment of migrant workers in Qatar

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/football/2016/10/10/fifa-threatened-with-legal-action-over-complicity-in-mistreatmen/ 10/17

  

Angered family of Phil Hughes walk out on final day of inquest into cricketer's death

14 Oct 2016, 7:50am

Arsenal defender Laurent Koscielny is toughest I've played against, says Marcus Rashford

14 Oct 2016, 7:40am

14.10.2016 Fifa threatened with legal action over alleged complicity in mistreatment of migrant workers in Qatar

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/football/2016/10/10/fifa-threatened-with-legal-action-over-complicity-in-mistreatmen/ 11/17

  

Will Greenwood's Pool by Pool guide to the Champions Cup

WILL GREENWOOD

14 Oct 2016, 7:00am

Jessica Ennis-Hill's poise, dignity and brilliance will be sorely missed - she retires asone of the best

DENISE LEWIS

14 Oct 2016, 7:00am

14.10.2016 Fifa threatened with legal action over alleged complicity in mistreatment of migrant workers in Qatar

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/football/2016/10/10/fifa-threatened-with-legal-action-over-complicity-in-mistreatmen/ 12/17

  

Arsenal vs Swansea: What time is Premier League match, what TV channel is it on, andwhat are the odds? 

13 Oct 2016, 11:57pm

Steve Bruce offers Gabriel Agbonlahor chance to save his Aston Villa career

13 Oct 2016, 10:30pm

14.10.2016 Fifa threatened with legal action over alleged complicity in mistreatment of migrant workers in Qatar

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/football/2016/10/10/fifa-threatened-with-legal-action-over-complicity-in-mistreatmen/ 13/17

  

Victoria Pendleton takes up another sport as she announces entrance in charity show-jumping event

13 Oct 2016, 10:30pm

A day in the life of Sunderland as they launch yet another survival fight

13 Oct 2016, 10:30pm

14.10.2016 Fifa threatened with legal action over alleged complicity in mistreatment of migrant workers in Qatar

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/football/2016/10/10/fifa-threatened-with-legal-action-over-complicity-in-mistreatmen/ 14/17

  

Nottingham Forest close to £50 million deal with US consortium

13 Oct 2016, 10:30pm

Ronald Koeman hits out at Martin O'Neill for 'massively overloading' James McCarthy

13 Oct 2016, 10:30pm

14.10.2016 Fifa threatened with legal action over alleged complicity in mistreatment of migrant workers in Qatar

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/football/2016/10/10/fifa-threatened-with-legal-action-over-complicity-in-mistreatmen/ 15/17

  

Leicester director of rugby Richard Cockerill calls for end to artificial pitches

13 Oct 2016, 10:17pm

Jessica Ennis-Hill has earned right to relish every minute of her retirement

OLIVER BROWN

13 Oct 2016, 10:11pm

14.10.2016 Fifa threatened with legal action over alleged complicity in mistreatment of migrant workers in Qatar

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/football/2016/10/10/fifa-threatened-with-legal-action-over-complicity-in-mistreatmen/ 16/17

  

Harlequins 43 Stade Francais 21: Hosts score seven tries to open Challenge Cup campaignwith resounding victory

13 Oct 2016, 10:05pm

Lizzie Deignan calls for end for 'blurred ethical line' on TUEs

13 Oct 2016, 10:00pm

14.10.2016 Fifa threatened with legal action over alleged complicity in mistreatment of migrant workers in Qatar

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/football/2016/10/10/fifa-threatened-with-legal-action-over-complicity-in-mistreatmen/ 17/17

  

Contact us

Subscribers

Archive

Reader Prints

Advertising

Syndication

Guidelines

Privacy

Terms and Conditions

Leave your feedback

© Telegraph Media Group Limited 2016