Philippine Workers Injured in Accident at Resort Used as Camp
FIFA "Deeply Saddened by Tragedy... Condolences to Bereaved Families"
Many Migrant Workers Previously Died During Stadium Construction
[Asia Economy Reporter Bang Je-il] The 2022 Qatar World Cup has faced criticism for subjecting numerous foreign workers to harsh labor conditions before and after its opening. Amid this, during the World Cup group stage, a worker died at a work site, bringing the issue of migrant worker treatment back into the spotlight.
On the 7th (local time), sports media The Athletic reported that a Filipino worker estimated to be in his early 40s died during repair work at a resort used as the Saudi Arabia national team's camp, prompting authorities to launch an investigation.
The media, citing sources including on-site staff, reported that the victim, affiliated with a Qatari company, was on a business trip to the site of the Sirline Beach Resort in Al Wakrah during the group stage when the accident occurred. The sources explained that while he was repairing parking lot lights, he slipped on a slope walking alongside a forklift and suffered a severe head injury.
The exact circumstances of the accident have not yet been determined, but on-site sources said the worker was not wearing safety equipment at the time of the accident. It is unclear whether the company that employed the worker provided the equipment. Additionally, they claimed that unusually, a third worker who would normally assist the victim and the forklift operator was not dispatched.
The Qatar World Cup Organizing Committee confirmed that the accident occurred on a road adjacent to the training ground within the resort site. Currently, the investigation is being conducted by Qatari authorities, not the organizing committee.
FIFA also stated, "We are aware of this matter" and "We are deeply saddened by this tragedy and extend our condolences to the bereaved families." FIFA added, "Further comments can be made once procedures related to the victim's death are completed."
Qatar has faced much criticism regarding the treatment of migrant workers in preparation for this World Cup. The British media outlet The Guardian reported last year that over 6,500 workers from India, Pakistan, Nepal, and other countries died over the ten years since Qatar won the World Cup bid. In response to The Guardian's report, Qatar has argued that 37 deaths were due to non-work-related incidents such as heart attacks, and only three workers died at construction sites.
However, in late November, Hassan Al Thawadi, Secretary-General of the World Cup Organizing Committee, caused controversy by revealing in an interview with British media that 400 to 500 migrant workers died at World Cup construction sites. The organizing committee explained, "The accidents occurred outside our jurisdiction, and since the deceased worked for companies not under the committee's authority, the relevant government ministries are investigating."
A Qatari government official stated, "If safety regulations are not followed, legal action is taken against the responsible companies, and heavy fines are imposed," adding, "If workers are injured or die in work-related accidents, compensation is paid from a fund established for this purpose, which amounts to $350 million (approximately 460 billion KRW)."
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