Fifa president discusses labour rights with Qatar’s emir

Doha: Fifa President Sepp Blatter met with the emir of Qatar to discuss improving migrant workers’ rights in the 2022 World Cup host nation.

In a statement published late on Wednesday, Fifa said they discussed “ongoing reforms of labour rights” during a one-hour meeting.

Unions and rights groups have campaigned to highlight unsafe conditions in Qatar, unpaid salaries and contracts tying workers to employers.

Blatter’s visit, which was not announced in advance, had originally been planned for May before the Fifa Congress in Brazil.

Blatter, however, praised “Qatar’s commitment to use the 2022 Fifa World Cup to achieve positive social change.”

Fifa said the two leaders “reviewed the achievements accomplished” on projects related to the World Cup.

Later this year, Fifa and Qatar will likely agree to reduce the original 12-stadium plan.