Fifa has announced a five-year partnership with the Building and Wood Workers’ International (BWI) trade union to promote “decent and safe working conditions” at its tournaments. The agreement will involve joint labour inspections, training for workers, and a “time-bound corrective action plan” to remedy exploitation.
The BWI has previously criticised Fifa for awarding the 2034 World Cup to Saudi Arabia without a robust human rights assessment. Despite this, the union will now collaborate with Fifa on inspections in the Gulf state and other host nations.
Lessons from the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, where Fifa and BWI worked with local authorities to improve labour standards, have informed the new deal. However, BWI general secretary Ambet Yuson warned that the 2034 tournament could leave a “permanent stain” if not managed properly.
Fifa secretary general Mattias Grafström emphasised that workers’ rights are taken seriously, stating: “It is essential that all workers involved in projects connected to Fifa tournaments enjoy good working conditions, a fair income, safety in the workplace, social protection and integration.”
The agreement covers several upcoming tournaments, including the 2026 men’s World Cup, the 2027 Women’s World Cup, and the 2034 Saudi Arabia event, with annual progress reports to be published.
