SC disputes Hummel claim, rejects trivialisation of commitment to worker safety

"Since winning the right to host the FIFA World Cup, the SC has worked diligently alongside the Qatari government to ensure that the tournament delivers a lasting social legacy," the SC said in a statement.

The Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy (SC) has disputed Danish sportswear brand Hummel’s claim regarding the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022. "Since winning the right to host the FIFA World Cup, the SC has worked diligently alongside the Qatari government to ensure that the tournament delivers a lasting social legacy," the SC said in a statement."Our commitment to this legacy has contributed to significant reforms to the labour system, enacting laws protecting the rights of workers and ensuring improved living conditions for them," it stressed."Through our collaboration with the UEFA Working Group and various other platforms led by FIFA and other independent groups, we have engaged in robust and transparent dialogue with the DBU (Danish football association)," the SC continued. "This dialogue resulted in a better understanding of the progress made, the challenges faced, and the legacy we will deliver beyond 2022."For that reason, we dispute Hummel’s claim that this tournament has cost thousands of people their lives. Furthermore, we whole-heartedly reject the trivialising of our genuine commitment to protect the health and safety of the 30,000 workers who built FIFA World Cup stadiums and other tournament projects. "That same commitment now extends to 150,000 workers across various tournament services and 40,000 workers in the hospitality sector."The onus should always be on countries to do more to protect the rights of peoples all over the world, including in Denmark, the SC stressed. "The SC’s work is recognised by numerous entities within the international human rights community as a model that has accelerated progress and improved lives. Qatar’s reforms are acknowledged by the ILO and ITUC as a benchmark in the region. Like every country, progress on these issues is a journey without a finish line, and Qatar is committed to that journey."We urge the DBU to accurately convey the outcome of their extensive communication and work with the SC, and to ensure that this is accurately communicated to their partners at Hummel."