Eight new stadiums, endless entertainment options including water shows and fireworks, a six-kilometer long fan mile and performances by world-famous stars. In addition, the Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra welcomes fans from all over the world. Theme parks, fan villages, beach clubs and more than 6,000 cultural events will fill the time between matches. There are even separate zones for heavily intoxicated fans who are supposed to sober up there in peace. The rich emirate offers everything that money can offer for the spectacle of a special class.
To date, around three million tickets have been sold for the 64 games. Kick-off is on November 20 at Al-Bait Stadium in the coastal city of Khour. But the criticism in the run-up to the World Cup has not stopped since the major sporting event was awarded in 2010. Accusations of the slave-like exploitation of the hundreds of thousands of migrants who are preparing for the World Cup are still regularly raised.
NGOs such as Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch (HRW) have repeatedly made allegations of human rights abuses against women and members of the LGBTQ community. Most recently, HRW accused Qatar of arresting and abusing homosexuals and “conversion therapy” under duress.
Victim numbers between 6,000 and three
Western media also reported on intolerable conditions and serious violations of human rights. Last month, the British “Guardian” published revelations about the construction of the Al Bait Stadium: There was talk of heavy, unprotected work at 50 degrees Celsius, accommodation in barracks in a very confined space, gag contracts and illegal fees, and at an hourly wage of around 1.15 euros, according to the newspaper.
In a report last year, the Guardian also reported that more than 6,000 migrant workers from India, Bangladesh, Nepal and Sri Lanka had died in the years since the World Cup was awarded, many of them on stadium construction sites. The newspaper relied on analyzes of government data from different countries.
Qatar has repeatedly contradicted such representations. They are undifferentiated and unfair, according to the tenor, and numerous reforms to improve working conditions have been implemented. On Tuesday, the Qatar Organizing Committee said there had been three fatalities during the stadium construction work over the years. 37 other workers died, but not while working on the construction sites.
Emir: “True backgrounds of this campaign”
So far, it has been asserted that the criticism will be taken seriously, as Emir Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani recently told the French newspaper Le Point. “For example, we realized that we had a problem with work on construction sites, after which we took strong measures in record time,” he said. “We changed the law and punish anyone who treats an employee badly.”
Countdown to the start of the World Cup
In a month the World Cup will open in Qatar. The anticipation for the games is great, but there is also a lot of criticism, especially because of the exploitation of the workers.
Other tones from Tamim bin Hamad were heard on Tuesday. The ongoing criticism is an “unprecedented campaign”, and no host country has ever experienced anything like it. Initially, Qatar dealt with the criticism in good faith. His country felt that some of the criticisms were useful and helped develop aspects that need to be developed, the Emir said.
“But we soon realized that the campaign was going on, expanding, including smear and double standards – until it reached a level of ferocity that unfortunately makes many wonder about the real reasons and motives behind this campaign,” he said in a speech.
reforms in theory and practice
In fact, there have been some improvements in working conditions in the emirate, at least on paper. The International Labor Organization (ILO) also noted reforms, for example workers could now leave the country or change jobs without the employer being able to prohibit this. In addition, according to the ILO, there have been significant developments in the areas of “minimum wage, safety and health at work and social dialogue at company level”.
The NGOs do not accept these arguments. The reforms apply in theory, but in practice loopholes still offer the possibility of systematically exploiting people. Human rights organizations are also calling for the establishment of a compensation fund for the bereaved of the workers who died.
“Best World Cup Ever”
The World Football Association (FIFA) was “concerned” at the beginning of the debates, but referred to Qatar’s responsibility. You are not responsible for deaths or working conditions.
The success of the World Cup applies to the association: “If you look around the country, the ultra-modern stadiums, the training grounds, the subway and the entire infrastructure, then everything is ready and everyone is welcome,” said FIFA President Gianni Infantino two weeks ago. “The world is excited. Qatar is ready. The stage is set. Together we will deliver the best World Cup ever on and off the pitch.”
