Worker died at the World Cup facilities, the words of the Qatari official became an event: part of life

World Cup officials announced Thursday that they have launched a job safety investigation into the death of a Filipino migrant worker working at a training camp.

Qatar’s treatment of migrant workers had resonated before the tournament, when human rights groups accused the Gulf country of systematic abuses of workers.

It was learned that the migrant worker, who lost his life, worked for a company contracted to repair lights in a parking lot at Sealine Resort, the training ground for the Saudi Arabian National Team. The worker, who slipped off the ramp and hit his head on the concrete while walking alongside the forklift, died after the World Cup matches began, but it is not known exactly when the incident occurred.

The Philippine Foreign Ministry said in a statement that one of its citizens died while working in the tourist hub south of the capital, Doha, and that its embassy is working with legal authorities to establish more details about the death.

“Is it a topic to talk about right now?”

Nasser Al Khater, executive director of the 2022 World Cup in Doha, confirmed to Reuters the death of a worker, but gave no further details. Condolences to the family of the worker, Al Khater said: “Whether at work or in your sleep, death is a natural part of life. We are in the middle of a World Cup. And we are having a successful tournament. Is that What is the topic to talk about at the moment?” he said, Al Khater’s words were met with a public reaction.

“DECREASE IN WORK ACCIDENTS”

In a statement from the Philippines, it was stated that no further details would be released out of respect for the migrant worker’s family, while a Qatari government official, who declined to be identified, used the following statements:

“If the investigation concludes that security protocols have not been followed, legal action will be taken against the company and it will be subject to severe financial penalties. The rate of workplace accidents in Qatar has decreased as strict health and safety standards have been put in place and penalties have been increased.”

‘6 thousand 500 workers died’

Since it was announced in 2010 that it would host the World Cup, Qatar has come under fire for its treatment of migrant workers, who make up the majority of its population. Britain’s Guardian newspaper wrote that at least 6,500 migrant workers, most of whom have been working on World Cup projects since 2010, have died in Qatar, according to estimates in official records.