World Cup host Qatar enacted new laws that it said would improve conditions for migrant workers. But are those laws being followed? We went to Qatar and spoke to workers at 14 FIFA hotels in Doha.
Thanks for all the hard work here Grant. Really important reporting to do on these vulnerable populations. It's gross to see the gap between egregious wealth and workers living 6 per-room and making only $1 per hour. It's difficult to read about because I don't want to support Qatar-especially after hearing your story-but I would be lying if I said I wouldn't be watching the world cup. I think many soccer fans likely feel similarly.
Thank you for going, and doing the work, and putting yourself at risk (even if, as you point, the risk to you is less than to many others).
At the end of this, I don’t know what to think. Obviously conditions in Qatar are not good enough. But the progress is real. Should we give them that credit? And even if the government has laws, how vigorously are they enforcing them? But that’s an issue even in the USA. Some employers are criminals, and the Qatari government should root them out — and I can’t tell whether they’re trying hard enough. David’s messages indicate probably not. And FIFA’s inspections, well, the onus is on them to show they’re not just repeating Chile 1973.
I should add, that my distaste for this WC is not solely based on the worker enslavement (that's what it is) and abuse, i simply can't forget how it went down for Qatar to even get this event. It's nauseating.
more and more convinced that i won't watch this WC. pains me to say. It's sickening. Many of us soccer fans measure our lives (or at least keep track) based on 4-year cycles. this one is sad. I really hope the players make a social statement. btw your stories and The Howler editorial, i can't watch ...and that sucks.
Thanks for providing this story, Grant. It confirms my decision not to attend this particular World Cup. I have two follow-up questions. When you '...gave her my first name before racing upstairs, packing my bags, and checking out immediately,' I assume you expected to be arrested or otherwise detained? Secondly, did you ask May Romanos of Amnesty International whether she has experienced any harassment while she's been in Qatar? Thanks for your writing and thanks for your reporting. I'm enjoying the website.
Thank you Grant for covering a subject I have been disturbed about since seeing Jeremy Schapp's incredible piece on Qatar WC worker conditions for E:60 in 2014. It's concerning for the world that such issues still exist, however on a personal note, I have been going to the World Cup for the last 20 years and will be headed to Qatar in November as well. I was really debating whether to go because of these atrocities. I feel like as a spectator and supporter maybe I'm part of the problem. It's sad to feel that way when you have passion and excitement around a game, and tournament, you love. I'm hoping by you and other journalists covering this subject does something to help. Hopefully you have no issues getting back in just for writing this great story. Waiting for Part II! Hope to see you in November!
Important reporting. Inexcusable for such a rich country (Qatar) and such a lucrative organization (FIFA) to be so stingy and negligent in its treatment of the very people who will make the World Cup possible in November.
Thank you for writing this. It needs to be out there yet again and allow the world to see what is happening and wonder why FIFA would have done this in the first place, I guess sadly money is always the driving factor with FIFA. Please be safe on your return trip and try and enjoy the actual sporting action next time. Love the site and all the work you are doing.
Great story. I went to Moscow in 2018 and saw a Potemkin Village. Yes, it was a celebration of soccer but most locals looked tired and unhappy. Had no interest in going to Qatar for this World Cup, and for many of the reasons you reported. Keep up the good work and stay safe. The Qataris did not get so wealthy by being kind to dissenters and journalists.
Thank you so much Grant for covering this. These kinds of stories are definitely a big reason why I recently subscribed. Looking forward to part 2.
I do wonder if publishing this sort of thing will affect your ability to cover the tournament in November. I certainly hope not.
Thanks, Grant, for covering this important story.
I wonder how much Sharan Burrows financial situation has improved the past few years and what the reason behind any improvement may have been.
Thanks for all the hard work here Grant. Really important reporting to do on these vulnerable populations. It's gross to see the gap between egregious wealth and workers living 6 per-room and making only $1 per hour. It's difficult to read about because I don't want to support Qatar-especially after hearing your story-but I would be lying if I said I wouldn't be watching the world cup. I think many soccer fans likely feel similarly.
Thank you for going, and doing the work, and putting yourself at risk (even if, as you point, the risk to you is less than to many others).
At the end of this, I don’t know what to think. Obviously conditions in Qatar are not good enough. But the progress is real. Should we give them that credit? And even if the government has laws, how vigorously are they enforcing them? But that’s an issue even in the USA. Some employers are criminals, and the Qatari government should root them out — and I can’t tell whether they’re trying hard enough. David’s messages indicate probably not. And FIFA’s inspections, well, the onus is on them to show they’re not just repeating Chile 1973.
I should add, that my distaste for this WC is not solely based on the worker enslavement (that's what it is) and abuse, i simply can't forget how it went down for Qatar to even get this event. It's nauseating.
it really is.
more and more convinced that i won't watch this WC. pains me to say. It's sickening. Many of us soccer fans measure our lives (or at least keep track) based on 4-year cycles. this one is sad. I really hope the players make a social statement. btw your stories and The Howler editorial, i can't watch ...and that sucks.
Thank you for covering this aspect of the 2022 World Cup. I hope this reporting doesn't affect your ability to return for the WC in November.
Thanks for providing this story, Grant. It confirms my decision not to attend this particular World Cup. I have two follow-up questions. When you '...gave her my first name before racing upstairs, packing my bags, and checking out immediately,' I assume you expected to be arrested or otherwise detained? Secondly, did you ask May Romanos of Amnesty International whether she has experienced any harassment while she's been in Qatar? Thanks for your writing and thanks for your reporting. I'm enjoying the website.
Thank you Grant for covering a subject I have been disturbed about since seeing Jeremy Schapp's incredible piece on Qatar WC worker conditions for E:60 in 2014. It's concerning for the world that such issues still exist, however on a personal note, I have been going to the World Cup for the last 20 years and will be headed to Qatar in November as well. I was really debating whether to go because of these atrocities. I feel like as a spectator and supporter maybe I'm part of the problem. It's sad to feel that way when you have passion and excitement around a game, and tournament, you love. I'm hoping by you and other journalists covering this subject does something to help. Hopefully you have no issues getting back in just for writing this great story. Waiting for Part II! Hope to see you in November!
Excellent piece, Grant!
Thanks, Grant. Making me feel good about my subscription dollars!
Important reporting. Inexcusable for such a rich country (Qatar) and such a lucrative organization (FIFA) to be so stingy and negligent in its treatment of the very people who will make the World Cup possible in November.
Thank you for writing this. It needs to be out there yet again and allow the world to see what is happening and wonder why FIFA would have done this in the first place, I guess sadly money is always the driving factor with FIFA. Please be safe on your return trip and try and enjoy the actual sporting action next time. Love the site and all the work you are doing.
Great story. I went to Moscow in 2018 and saw a Potemkin Village. Yes, it was a celebration of soccer but most locals looked tired and unhappy. Had no interest in going to Qatar for this World Cup, and for many of the reasons you reported. Keep up the good work and stay safe. The Qataris did not get so wealthy by being kind to dissenters and journalists.
Grant,
Thanks for shining a light on this disgrace and for your courage to do so.