Dubai, United Arab Emirates (CNN) – The International Federation of Football Associations (FIFA) confirmed, on Thursday, the death of a migrant worker in the resort used by the Saudi national team during the group stage stages of the Qatar 2022 World Cup.
“FIFA is deeply saddened by this tragedy and our thoughts and sympathies are with the worker’s family,” a FIFA spokesperson told CNN in a statement. “As soon as FIFA became aware of the incident, we contacted the local authorities to request further details. FIFA will be in a position to comment.” more once the relevant processes in connection with the worker’s death have been completed.”
It was not clear what the worker was doing or the circumstances surrounding his death.
Celine Resort was the training site for the Saudi national team, before they were eliminated in the group stage.
The Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy in Qatar told CNN: “The incident referred to is not under the jurisdiction of the Supreme Committee, and that the deceased worked as a contractor is not subject to the jurisdiction of the Supreme Committee, and this matter will be dealt with by the relevant government authorities.”
The Supreme Committee added that it is following up with the relevant authorities themselves, to ensure that they are informed of developments related to the investigation, and the committee has contacted the family of the deceased to ensure the transfer of information.
A Qatari government official confirmed to CNN that the incident is under investigation by authorities.
“If the investigation concludes that safety protocols were not followed, the company will be subject to legal action and severe financial penalties,” the official said.
“Death is a natural part of life,” Nasser al-Khatiri, CEO of the 2022 Qatar World Cup, told a Archyde.com correspondent on Thursday, in response to a question about the death of immigrants in the country, adding: “We are in the middle of the World Cup, and we have a successful tournament.” Is this something you want to talk about now?”
He continued, “I mean, death is a normal part of life, whether it’s at work, whether it’s in your sleep, of course a worker died, our condolences to his family, and with that, I mean it’s weird that’s something you want to focus on as your first question.”