Two major FIFA sponsors speak out on conditions facing migrant workers in Qatar

Global brands Coca-Cola and VISA have become the first two of FIFA's sponsors to publicly speak out on the issues facing migrant workers in Qatar ©Getty Images

Coca-Cola and VISA have become the first two of FIFA’s main sponsors to speak out on the conditions facing migrant workers in Qatar in response to a campaign launched by opposition group New FIFA Now this week.

A spokesman for Coca Cola, one of the leading global brands and a key sponsor of world football’s governing body, said they “expect FIFA to continue taking these matters seriously”.

FIFA, however, are yet to publicly denounce the working conditions in Qatar themselves.

“The Coca-Cola Company does not condone human rights abuses anywhere in the world,” the spokesperson said.

“We know FIFA is working with Qatari authorities to address specific labour and human rights issues.

“We expect FIFA to continue taking these matters seriously and to work toward further progress.

“We welcome constructive dialogue on human rights issues, and we will continue to work with many individuals, human rights organisations, sports groups, Government officials and others to develop solutions and foster greater respect for human rights in sports and elsewhere.”

Credit card company VISA, who were plunged into a legal battle with FIFA over a decade ago concerning the use of the World Cup trademark without permission, have also offered their view on the matter, urging the much-maligned organisation, led by Sepp Blatter, to “act faster”.

“We continue to be troubled by the reports coming out of Qatar related to the World Cup and migrant worker conditions,” a VISA spokesperson said.

"We have expressed our grave concern to FIFA and urge them to take all necessary actions to work with the appropriate authorities and organisations to remedy this situation and ensure the health and safety of all involved."

FIFA have come under fierce criticism for failing to speak out about the conditions World Cup construction workers are facing in Qatar ©Getty Images

The statements from both companies follows New FIFA Now calling on the sponsors of FIFA to put pressure on world football’s governing body, with member Jaimie Fuller claiming by not speaking out on the issue, they are providing “implicit support” for current working practices in Qatar.

Workers are allegedly expected to live in squalid housing with limited toilet facilities and appalling cooking amenities, and it is claimed they are often not paid their full amount and are forced to hand over their passports on arrival so they cannot leave the country.

Hundreds of labourers from Nepal, India and other countries are said to have been killed on construction sites for the 2022 tournament, and British MP Damian Collins, a fervent campaigner with New FIFA Now, says football’s governing body and their sponsors “have blood on their hands”.

Fuller, chairman of sports compression wear brand SKINS, wrote to the eight chief executives of FIFA’s main sponsors but received no reply.

The launch of the campaign to get sponsors to speak out on the controversial matter came after a BBC journalist was allegedly detained in Qatar for reporting on the conditions of labourers, despite being on an press trip organised by Qatari authorities.