Dhe European Parliament sharply criticized the world football association FIFA in a resolution on the human rights situation in Qatar. The text, which was approved by a large majority on Thursday, said “there is rampant, systemic and ingrained corruption in FIFA”. The organization had “seriously damaged” the image and integrity of world football. Parliament called on EU countries, particularly those with major football leagues, to “put pressure on UEFA and FIFA to commit to fundamental reforms”. This should include a “democratic and transparent process” for awarding world championships. These should not be awarded to states that disregard fundamental and human rights, “in particular systematic gender-based violence”.
These points are directed against the awarding of the World Cup to Qatar and attempts by FIFA to ward off criticism. The resolution expressly states that the world governing body has threatened sanctions against seven football associations, including the DFB, if their players wear the rainbow-colored “One Love” armband. It also said that awarding the tournament to Qatar in 2010 “was accompanied by credible allegations of bribery and corruption”. Parliament calls for the criminal investigation (in America) to continue. EU states should give investigators access to internal documents about the award.
The resolution had been negotiated at short notice among the parliamentary groups. The initiative for this came from the left half of parliament, which sharply denounced Qatar. As a result, however, these passages were softened by the right half. On the one hand, the death of “thousands of migrant workers” during the construction of the stadiums, the exploitation of guest workers and the discrimination against non-heterosexual people are now being lamented. On the other hand, reforms in labor law are recognized, such as the introduction of a minimum wage. It is expressly stated that the EU “can only benefit” from a closer partnership with the Gulf States and that Qatar has condemned the Russian invasion of Ukraine in the UN General Assembly.
