Tale of ‘another game’ before FIFA 2022

The buzz about 2022 FIFA world cup has taken over the sports headline again. However, it isn’t merely about the Qualifiers being played in full swing. A regional political controversy manifesting into ‘another game’ of manipulations has taken the centre stage.  

Federation of African Journalists (FAJ) has condemned, what it calls, “deliberate attempts” by UAE to “manipulate Jounalists organisations in Africa” to speak out against “organisation of 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar”. In a resolution adopted at African Journalists Leaders’ conference in Accra, Ghana, on 2^nd June 2021, FAJ explicitly deplored the attempts of alleged manipulation and called upon FIFA and CAF (Confederation of African Football) to “investigate and penalize the people and forces behind this.” 

Roots of the crisis 

Experts find a possible explanation of the alleged role of UAE rooted in the 43-month long Qatar Blockade crisis. Qatar, which happens to be first country in middle east to host a FIFA World cup, was severed with economic and diplomatic sanctions in June, 2017 for allegedly being a “supporter of terrorism”. The sanctions coupled with air, land and water blockade of the gulf nation were collectively endorsed by Egypt, Saudi Arabia, UAE, and Bahrain.  

While Saudi Arabia and Egypt announced the lifting of blockade in January 2021, UAE and Bahrain are still identified as nations reluctant to restore normalcy in ties with Qatar. The observation is driven by lacklusture pace of the efforts undertaken to repair ties by the two countries. Jonathan Miseroy, an expert in Gulf affairs, writes, “until we see the UAE (and Bahrain by proxy), toning down against Qatar, then everything else is just for show. Qatar has continued to be diplomatic throughout the blockade, so it will welcome any improvement in relations.” 

The immediate backdrop of the crisis  

Interestingly, the backdrop of the crisis is not merely about the strained ties. UAE has alleged Qatar for gross violations of the Labour rights of migrant workers involved in the making of sport and other complimentary infrastructure in the country, since Qatar got the hosting rights in 2010. As per state figures, Qatar hosts a total of 2.1 million migrant workforce.  

A March 2021 report by The Guardian revealed that “more than 6500 workers from India, Pakistan, Nepal, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka have died in Qatar since 2010” due to substandard working conditions. A UN International Labour Organization Study too confirmed that “Qatar’s Intense summer heat” was a significant factor in migrant Labour deaths.  

In response to the accusations, Qatar claimed that only 20% of the workforce is constituted of the expatriate community. An official statement by a government spokesperson said “The mortality rate among these communities is within the expected range for the size and demographics of the population. However, every lost life is a tragedy, and no effort is spared in trying to prevent every death in our country.” 

Subject to satisfaction 

To address the buzz about Labour rights violations, Qatar has announced several Labour reforms. Apart from an increase in minimum wage by 25% to 274$, 2019 reforms abolished controversial Kafala system which required worker to secure a no objection certificate from employer before changing jobs. An addition grant of 300 and 500 Qatari riyals for food and accommodation has been introduced in case if they aren’t ensured by employer.

Though players from the nations like Germany, Netherlands, Norway have worn shirts before world cup qualifiers to voice concerns over human rights violations, international organizations have cited ‘satisfaction’ with the progress made in the context.  

Last month, FIFA held a meet with stakeholders to review human rights abuse allegations in Qatar. The meeting which saw representations of human rights organizations and worker unions involved with on ground experience, resolved to endorse a proposal which said that the progress made in the context by Qatar is “satisfactory”. FIFA President Gianni Infantino said “We know there is still work to be done, but we need to recognise the significant progress achieved in very short period of time, thanks to the commitment of the highest authorities in the country and to ensure that any debate on the complex matter is verified on the basis of facts.”  

FAJ too in its resolution expressed its satisfaction on the progress. The resolution read “FAJ reiterate the full support to the position of International Trade Unions Confederation (ITUC) about the Labour rights situation Qatar and note the unparalleled progress so far made.” 

Sharan Burrow, General Secretary of ITUC while being appreciative for the resolution of FAJ, also had a word for migrant worker rights in UAE. She tweeted “The focus needs to be on the implementation of the new laws in Qatar that protect workers – Thank you to the ethical African journalists rejecting shameful approach by UAE detractors who themselves still exploit migrant workers with a Kafala system of modern slavery.”  

Political football

While players are busy passing the ball to qualify for the tournament a political edition of football is being played out too. In its resolution FAJ condemned “efforts to use Africa and its institutions as political football in order to settle scores in political disputes and drag African journalists into activities beyond their primary interests”.

While UAE government is yet to respond to the FAJ resolution, with the game of allegations and counter allegations is on in full force. As of now, the conditions for migrant workers and conducting the tournament are subject to the test of times ahead.  

Edited by: V. Prem Shanker