Saudi Arabia`s sports minister, Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al-Faisal, has announced the commencement of an investigation into the death of a worker at a construction site intended for a 2034 World Cup stadium. Local authorities are reportedly taking the matter `seriously` amidst ongoing concerns regarding the rights of laborers in the Gulf nation.
Muhammad Arshad, a Pakistani foreman in his mid-30s, tragically died on March 12 at the Aramco Stadium site in Al Khobar, according to reports from The Guardian. Arshad`s death, resulting from a fall from an elevated section of the construction area, marks the first known fatality linked to the construction of the 2034 World Cup in Saudi Arabia. While the official hosting rights were awarded in December, FIFA`s prior decision in October 2023 had already positioned Saudi Arabia as the presumptive host.
Minister Al-Faisal stated on Sunday, prior to the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix Formula One race, that `Every incident we take seriously, we initiate an investigation to determine the cause.` He added, `Unfortunately, such incidents can occur in construction. We are committed to preventing them… Upon being notified, we promptly launched an investigation to assess the situation, ensure appropriate safety measures are in place, and prevent any recurrence at Aramco Stadium. We are working closely with contractors to ensure these standards are met and to uphold our commitment to the global community.`
Human rights organizations have voiced criticism regarding FIFA`s decision to grant Saudi Arabia the hosting rights for the 2034 World Cup, particularly highlighting potential impacts on migrant workers involved in construction projects and local populations affected by these developments.
In a joint statement released in December, Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International, among others, asserted that `There is ample evidence of migrant worker exploitation and racism, peaceful activists facing lengthy prison sentences, legalized discrimination against women and LGBTI individuals, and forced evictions of residents for state projects. Without immediate action and comprehensive reforms, the 2034 World Cup risks being marred by widespread repression, discrimination, and exploitation.`
Concerns have also been raised regarding the actions of Arshad`s employer, Belgian construction firm Besix Group, in the aftermath of his death. Reports indicate that Arshad`s family, including his three young sons between the ages of two and seven, had not received legally mandated compensation in the days following his death. Furthermore, there are allegations that workers at the Aramco Stadium were instructed to delete any videos or images related to Arshad`s death and refrain from discussing the incident.
Arshad`s father, Muhammad Bashir, expressed the family`s devastation to The Guardian last month, stating, `Our world has collapsed. The entire family is in shock. This will have a lasting impact on their lives. Arshad`s income was the family`s sole source of sustenance. We will now be responsible for their living and educational expenses, and we will strive to provide for their needs.`
These concerns about working conditions in Saudi Arabia emerge after the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, where numerous migrant workers died during stadium construction. While Qatari officials reported only three work-related deaths and 37 non-work-related deaths, estimates suggest the actual number may be considerably higher. In February 2021, The Guardian estimated over 6,500 worker deaths during Qatar`s World Cup stadium construction, though the precise figure remains unclear.
Al-Faisal maintains that Saudi Arabian authorities have learned lessons from the Qatar World Cup.
`We have learned from that,` Al-Faisal stated. `We have consulted with Qatari officials regarding their experiences and challenges. We maintain ongoing communication with them and FIFA about necessary measures to prioritize worker safety. This is a mandate for us and a top priority, given the impact observed in Qatar.`
FIFA has not yet issued a statement regarding Arshad`s death.
Adrian Whitmore