Human rights group Amnesty International has condemned FIFA’s 2022 Qatar World Cup legacy fund, calling it “shameful” for excluding compensation for migrant workers who suffered harm while preparing for the global event. FIFA announced that £39.4 million from tournament proceeds would be allocated to social programs, focusing on occupational health, education, and football development, in collaboration with organizations like the World Health Organization and the United Nations Refugee Agency.
FIFA described the initiative as “groundbreaking,” highlighting plans to address worker safety in extreme heat, a growing concern amid climate change. However, Amnesty pointed out that the fund fails to address the families of workers who lost their lives or endured severe hardships during World Cup preparations. These families, many plunged into poverty, remain without the meaningful support they desperately need.
The controversy surrounding the treatment of migrant workers has loomed over the tournament since Qatar won its bid in 2010. Reports revealed that 6,500 migrant workers from countries like India, Pakistan, Nepal, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka died in Qatar between 2010 and 2021, though the Qatari government claimed many deaths were unrelated to World Cup projects. Official figures from Qatar stated that only three work-related deaths occurred on stadium construction sites, though tournament organizers later admitted the number was likely between 400 and 500.
While Qatar introduced labor reforms in 2017, including a minimum wage and abolishing the controversial kafala system, implementation of these changes has faced criticism. Calls for a £350 million compensation fund for affected workers and their families were rejected by FIFA, despite the tournament generating a record £6 billion in revenue. FIFA instead launched the legacy fund, which Amnesty and other groups argue sidesteps the organization’s responsibility to support those harmed.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino praised the initiative as a historic step in addressing global issues. Similarly, Qatar’s Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy emphasized its commitment to impactful legacy projects. Yet, Amnesty’s Steve Cockburn criticized FIFA for ignoring its own human rights policies and failing to compensate workers and their families. He stated that the organization is “blatantly disregarding its responsibility” and accused FIFA of dismissing widespread demands from fans, players, and sponsors for justice.
In late 2022, FIFA pointed to Qatar’s existing worker support fund, which reportedly compensated many workers for unpaid wages. However, the broader harms suffered by workers and their families remain largely unaddressed. A FIFA-commissioned independent report on its responsibilities to migrant workers in Qatar has yet to be published, adding to concerns over the organization’s accountability.
Amnesty and other advocacy groups insist that FIFA must do more to uphold human rights and provide reparations. Without meaningful action, the criticism of FIFA’s handling of the legacy fund is unlikely to subside.