Case against FIFA over Qatar 2022 thrown out by Swiss court
The Commercial Court of Zurich, based in Switzerland, has rejected a lawsuit against FIFA, brought on by labour unions, which said it had failed to use its influence to ensure fair treatment of people working on 2022 World Cup projects in the country.
FIFA said it welcomed the decision in the case, which accused them of “alleged wrongful conduct and liability for human rights violations.”
While the court could not immediately be reached for comment, FIFA did not elaborate either.
The Bangladesh Free Trade Union Congress had filed the suit which was also backed by Dutch union FNV. It was filed on behalf of a Bangladeshi man who says he was exploited in Qatar.
The case called on FIFA to force Qatar to adopt “minimum labour standards” for migrant workers preparing for the tournament, including at least the right to quit a job or leave the country.
FIFA takes the issue of working conditions and human rights in connection with the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar very seriously, FIFA said in a statement posted on its website.
It added that FIFA monitors the situation very closely and would continue to urge Qatari authorities to ensure safe and decent working conditions for construction workers.
Doha has previously denied exploiting workers and says it is implementing several labour reforms.
