What sportspeople, migrant workers, transport

With the European leagues now on break until Christmas, all eyes are naturally on Qatar, where the World Cup will kick off on Sunday. Over a decade since it won the bid to host the tournament, the Gulf nation, home to approximately three million people, has been transforming its infrastructure — from a new tram line to new stadiums, hotels and roads — in anticipation of this massive event that is unprecedented in the Arab world. It’s been an exciting time for the Qataris and the migrant community that makes up 90% of the country’s population.

But this transformation has also invited controversy, criticism and scrutiny, primarily around workers’ rights and the conditions under which tens of thousands of migrant laborers built the stadiums, roads and facilities that have made Qatar’s vision into reality. Reports show that low-income migrant workers, mostly from Nepal, India, Pakistan and Bangladesh, fight to receive their wages, work in extreme weather conditions and lack proper centers to report abuses and complaints where they can make sure their rights are not being violated. Among other appeals, Australia, set to compete at the tournament, called for Qatar to change its laws and treatment toward the LGBTQ+ community, with same-sex relationships being illegal in the country.

The World Cup has also affected participation in soccer among the general public, particularly women. Although there are hurdles to making the game more accessible and inclusive in Qatar, advocates, players and coaches are being heard for the next generation of Qatari women to have more opportunities in the game, which depends on investment in pitches, training sites and a development pathway for them to become professionals.

Along the way to 2022, Qatar’s government agencies and local organizations are making reforms and assurances to address these matters. To get a deeper…