Original Source: www.amnesty.org
In a move that sparked outrage, FIFA and Qatar unveiled their much-anticipated Legacy Fund for the 2022 World Cup, a glaring omission echoing down the halls of justice. Amnesty International’s Steve Cockburn condemned the fund for neglecting the migrant workers whose toil and sacrifice made the Cup possible, leaving families mired in poverty. While funding global health initiatives is commendable, not addressing the dire needs of these families reveals a troubling disconnect—compensation remains absent.
As FIFA celebrates its billion-dollar profits, the murmurs of dissent grow louder, with fans, players, and sponsors clamoring for accountability. Organizations and advocates had united in a chorus demanding at least USD 440 million to redress the injustices faced by workers, a call seemingly ignored. Amidst this outcry, the legacy fund’s launch feels like a consolation prize, falling woefully short of the expectations set in the aftermath of worker exploitation.
This legacy fund is a frail gesture; the moral obligation remains unfulfilled. FIFA’s commissioned report—still unpublished—presumably holds answers about redress for violated rights, waiting like a hidden treasure. Without action, the cycle of abuse continues, affecting not only those involved in Qatari preparations but also casting a shadow over future events like the anticipated 2034 World Cup in Saudi Arabia.
The announcement of a USD 50 million Legacy Fund by FIFA and Qatar aimed at supporting various international organizations raised eyebrows. The fund, dedicated partially to health initiatives, starkly omits any compensation for the workers who suffered and perished during the 2022 World Cup preparations. Recent reports highlighted the fatal risks faced by these workers and potential dangers looming ahead of future events, urging the need for a more substantial response from FIFA.
The launch of the Legacy Fund without addressing worker compensation leaves a bitter aftertaste in the minds of those who fought for justice. It is a pivotal moment demanding that FIFA confront the legacy it seeks to create: one that should honor rather than neglect the sacrifices of countless individuals. The call for meaningful remedies compels FIFA to act swiftly and decisively to restore its tarnished image and uphold the rights of vulnerable workers whose hopes were sacrificed at the altar of sport.
