Calls for FIFA to compensate Qatar migrant workers

FIFA has been asked to respond to calls for a compensation scheme for World Cup migrant workers in Qatar by the end of the month.

A UEFA working group met with FIFA in Zurich on Wednesday to discuss the scheme, and reiterate its support for the creation of a centre to support migrant workers in the World Cup host country.

The group also sought - and says it received - assurances over the safety, security and inclusion of all individuals due to attend the finals which start next month, including all spectators, women, members of the LGBTQ+ community, journalists and human rights' defenders.

"The working group welcomed FIFA's clear assurances regarding the topic of safety, security and inclusion for all individuals," a statement issued by UEFA said.

"It requested FIFA to respond and commit to the outstanding issues regarding migrant workers by the end of October."

Human rights' groups have also called on FIFA to contribute to the remediation measures for migrant workers, including the support centre and compensation scheme.

Amnesty International urged FIFA to contribute US$440m towards the measures, equivalent to the amount set aside for World Cup prize money.

Meanwhile, Spain will not send riot police to Qatar to help safeguard the tournament, as had been requested by the Middle Eastern country, the Spanish interior ministry has said.

The ministry would not provide any further comment on the decision, and only confirmed an earlier report, which said Spain had been mulling whether to send around 115 officers to Qatar but ultimately refused.

With a population of less than three million - of whom just 380,000 are Qatari nationals - Qatar faces a shortage of personnel as it gears up for the 20 November kick-off.

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