FIFA to back workers on Qatar World Cup stadiums

FIFA is pledging to bolster the rights of migrant workers

building 2022 World Cup stadiums in Qatar following threats by

labor leaders to disrupt construction plans.

FIFA secretary general Jerome Valcke says it will help the

International Trade Union Confederations ”address labor issues

with the Qatari authorities.”

The trade confederation says it represents 175 million workers

in 153 countries. Its leader, Sharan Burrow, says migrant laborers

in Qatar often work in unsafe conditions. Valcke says FIFA will

require future World Cup bidders to respect labor issues.

Qatar is building nine stadiums and huge infrastructure projects

in the next 10 years.