The European Parliament has voiced strong concern about the FIFA World Cup held in Qatar, arguing that the event seriously damaged the image and integrity of global football. It labeled corruption allegations surrounding the organization as pervasive, systemic, and deeply entrenched, and it treated the host country’s celebration of the tournament as a flashpoint for broader debates about governance in international sport. The parliament stressed that the decision to stage the World Cup in Qatar should be examined through the lens of human rights, given the ongoing concerns about the treatment of migrant workers and the conditions under which stadiums were built.
In its resolution, the assembly noted with regret the deaths and injuries among migrant workers during the years of preparation for the tournament. It called for clear, transparent accounting and responsible explanations from the authorities involved. The parliament asserted that FIFA bears responsibility for addressing the consequences faced by workers and their families, while acknowledging that Qatar has at times rejected specific funding claims despite repeated appeals from human rights organizations. This tension underscored the need for independent scrutiny of how labor rights were managed in the lead up to the event.
The European Parliament also commented on a fund established by Qatar intended to compensate workers for wage theft and other abuses. While welcoming the initiative, it pointed out that the fund did not become fully operational until 2018, which meant that millions of workers and their families were left waiting for remedies during a crucial period. The body urged that such mechanisms be accessible and timely in order to provide real relief to those harmed by labor abuses and to restore trust in the fairness of the labor market within the country.
Criticism was also directed at the lack of transparency surrounding the bid process and the apparent absence of a robust risk assessment when awarding the tournament to Qatar in 2010. The text called for a thorough, independent investigation into the reported deaths and the various allegations concerning migrant workers involved in stadium construction. It emphasized that victims of human rights violations should have clear, enforceable channels to seek justice and accountability, and that the international community must see concrete steps toward remedy and responsibility.
On the topic of data collection, Qatar challenged the European Parliament to review how data on deaths and injuries during World Cup trials was gathered, following months of disagreement about the numbers. The Guardian has reported one figure, while Doha has cited a different total, reflecting the broader debate over statistics in such contexts. The parliament stressed the importance of building reliable data systems that can inform policy decisions and safeguard workers’ rights in future international events.
Beyond accountability, the resolution acknowledged that reforms announced by Qatari authorities aimed at governing labor migration and strengthening workers’ voices and social dialogue represent a positive development. It noted that these changes have already led to improvements for a considerable number of workers, enhancing living and working conditions. However, it also pointed out that many workers still do not reap these benefits, often facing obstacles in accessing remedies and expressing concerns to their employers without fear of retaliation. The document urged continued reform efforts and ongoing monitoring to ensure that gains reach all workers and that the social dialogue remains inclusive and effective.
Overall, the European Parliament framed the World Cup as a critical test of how major sporting events can be aligned with universally recognized labor rights and human dignity. It urged accountability for those responsible, stronger protections for workers, and a transparent, evidence-based approach to evaluating future host nations. The text underscored that the pursuit of sporting excellence should never come at the expense of basic human rights, and it called on international bodies to maintain rigorous standards for governance, transparency, and accountability in all phases of global events. The emphasis remained on concrete outcomes: improved safety nets for workers, verifiable progress in labor reforms, and a reliable framework for holding violators to account in the pursuit of fair play on and off the field.