Blatter Meets Qatari Emir to Discuss 2022 World Cup Preparations and Labour Reforms
FIFA President Sepp Blatter met with Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani on Wednesday to review cooperation agreements and assess progress on preparations for the 2022 World Cup. The high-level meeting took place at Al Bahr Palace in Doha, amid growing scrutiny over Qatar’s treatment of migrant workers and the pace of development ahead of the tournament.
Blatter, who is currently visiting Qatar, was joined by FIFA Secretary General Jérôme Valcke, while Sheikh Tamim was accompanied by his personal representative, Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani. The discussions centred not only on the organisation of football’s biggest event but also on the social and political implications of hosting it.
A key topic was the issue of labour reforms. Qatar has faced widespread criticism over the working and living conditions of migrant labourers involved in World Cup infrastructure projects. International pressure has mounted on the Gulf nation to overhaul its labour laws, with some critics going as far as to suggest that FIFA consider relocating the tournament to another country, such as the United States or Japan.
Blatter acknowledged these concerns in his remarks following the meeting, saying: “I am very pleased to have been able to meet today with the highest political authority in Qatar. I am pleased to note that the Emir and Qatar are determined to make the 2022 World Cup a tool for social progress and promotion for the host country and the region as a whole.”
He added, “Qatar takes its role as host very seriously. We also discussed the importance of developing football in the region.”
Alongside labour issues, the meeting also touched on the broader development of football in the Middle East and the progress of various infrastructural projects associated with the tournament. With the clock ticking toward 2022, Qatar’s efforts to meet FIFA’s standards remain under close international observation.
The visit underscores the political and logistical complexity of hosting the World Cup in a region undergoing rapid transformation. FIFA and Qatari officials appear determined to ensure the event not only meets global expectations but also leaves a lasting legacy for the region.
