The Qatar World Cup’s chief executive was criticized by human rights groups for saying “death is a natural part of life” when asked about the death of a migrant worker at the tournament.
World football governing body fifa he said it was “deeply saddened” following the worker’s death in the group stage.
In an interview with Reuters, tournament boss Nasser Al Khater said he was “disappointed” by journalists’ questions on the matter.
Rothna Begum, a representative for Human Rights Watch, said: “The Qatari official’s comment demonstrates a callous disregard for deceased migrant workers.”
“His claim that death happens and that it’s natural when it happens, ignores the fact that many migrant worker deaths are preventable.”
A Filipino citizen has died while carrying out repairs at a resort used as a training base for the Saudi Arabian team. The Athletic reported.
The way Qatar treats migrant workers is one of the main controversies that has overshadowed preparations for the World Cup.
The league’s supreme committee said the workers “did not work under their authority” and that the incident took place “on land not under their jurisdiction”.
The case is currently under investigation by the Qatari authorities.
Fifa said it had been notified of an accident and had contacted local authorities to request more details.
“Is this something you want to talk about right now?” Al Khater said. “I mean, death is a natural part of life, whether it’s at work, whether it’s in your sleep.
“Of course, a worker has died. Our condolences to his family. However, I mean it’s strange that this is something you want to focus on in your first question.”
He added: “Look, worker deaths were a big topic during the World Cup. Everything that has been said and everything that has been reflected on worker deaths has been absolutely absolute. false.
“This topic, this negativity around the World Cup is something that we have to deal with.
“We’re a bit disappointed that journalists have exacerbated this false story. And to be honest, I think a lot of journalists have to ask themselves and think about why they’re doing this. trying to talk about this subject for too long.”
Ella Knight, Amnesty International’s migrant labor rights researcher, said: “Unfortunately, Mr Al Khater is wrong when he says that every death is investigated. simply not true.
“We and others have been calling on the Qatari authorities to conduct such investigations into worker deaths for years to no avail.
“Instead, they continue to simply attribute large numbers of deaths to ‘natural causes’ despite the obvious health risks associated with working in extreme temperatures.
“It goes without saying that the Government should investigate this most recent tragic case, as well as the deaths of all others. Every family who has lost a loved one due to their working conditions in Qatar deserves it. get answers and remedies for their behavior”. loss.”
Human rights organizations and a number of football associations whose countries participate in the tournament said they would “continue to press” Qatar and Fifa establishment of a compensation fund for migrant workers and their families, as well as the establishment of a migrant worker center in Doha.
