European Parliament votes for FIFA and Qatar to compensate migrant workers

European Parliament votes for FIFA and Qatar to compensate migrant workers

On 24 November, the European Parliament adopted a resolution regarding the situation of human rights in the context of the FIFA World Cup in Qatar. MEPs notably criticised the treatment of migrant workers as well as the fact that the country had been awarded the organisation of the World Cup amid bribery and corruption allegations.

As a result, MEPs urged EU Member States – specifically countries with large national football leagues - to exert pressure on UEFA and FIFA so as to help reform FIFA. As part of these reforms, the aim would be to achieve more transparency in tournament awarding processes, as well as stringent human rights compliance and enforcement of sustainability standards.

While MEPs acknowledged that the Qatari government had compensated victims of wage abuse through the “Workers’ Support and Insurance Fund”, they indicated that the fund did not extend coverage to many workers in Qatar. As a result, they demanded that the fund covers all workers affected, including those who had suffered other human rights violations in consequence.

Accordingly, Parliament called upon Qatar to thoroughly investigate fatalities among migrant workers in the country and compensate family members in cases where workers died due to unsafe working conditions.

On 20 November, Commissioner for Promoting European Way of Life Margaritis Schinas represented the European Union at the opening ceremony of the FIFA World Cup in Qatar. During the visit, Schinas met several members of football associations and took part in an event on the European Sport Model with UEFA's President Ceferin. Afterwards, he stated how Qatar deserves global success due to the reforms delivered and highlighted how the European Sport Model is an inspiration to all.

Recent Posts

EU NOCs Legal Counsels gather in Cyprus

Legal experts from National Olympic Committees across the EU met this week in Cyprus for the latest annual meeting of the EU NOCs Legal Counsels, reinforcing the importance of dialogue and cooperation within the European Olympic Movement. The EOC EU Office provided an update on recent EU developments, focusing on the evolving case law of […]

Read More
Europe Day: 9th May 2026

Europe Day, celebrated annually on 9 May, marks the anniversary of the Schuman Declaration of 1950 and the foundations of European cooperation. This year, we also celebrate the power of sport and its role within the EU in fostering cooperation, solidarity, and mutual understanding across Member States and organisations. It is an opportunity to reflect […]

Read More
The EUIPO emphasises the role of trademarks in sports on World Intellectual Property Day

To mark World Intellectual Property Day on 26 April, the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) highlighted the role of intellectual property (IP) in shaping sport in Europe. Recognisable symbols such as Liverpool F.C.’s anthem “You’ll Never Walk Alone” and the Tour de France logo are examples of how identity in sport can be protected […]

Read More

Related Posts

May 11, 2026
EU NOCs Legal Counsels gather in Cyprus

Legal experts from National Olympic Committees across the EU met this week in Cyprus for the latest annual meeting of the EU NOCs Legal Counsels, reinforcing the importance of dialogue and cooperation within the European Olympic Movement. The EOC EU Office provided an update on recent EU developments, focusing on the evolving case law of […]

May 11, 2026
Europe Day: 9th May 2026

Europe Day, celebrated annually on 9 May, marks the anniversary of the Schuman Declaration of 1950 and the foundations of European cooperation. This year, we also celebrate the power of sport and its role within the EU in fostering cooperation, solidarity, and mutual understanding across Member States and organisations. It is an opportunity to reflect […]

April 30, 2026
The EUIPO emphasises the role of trademarks in sports on World Intellectual Property Day

To mark World Intellectual Property Day on 26 April, the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) highlighted the role of intellectual property (IP) in shaping sport in Europe. Recognisable symbols such as Liverpool F.C.’s anthem “You’ll Never Walk Alone” and the Tour de France logo are examples of how identity in sport can be protected […]

About us

The EOC EU Office is the House of European Sport, representing the European Olympic Committees (EOC), the IOC and other major sport organisations to the European institutions in Brussels.
CONTACT
crossmenu linkedin facebook pinterest youtube rss twitter instagram facebook-blank rss-blank linkedin-blank pinterest youtube twitter instagram