‘Deaths of workers is a tragedy’

QATAR coach Felix Sanchez believes the World Cup can be a force for good as he described the deaths of migrant workers as a ‘tragedy’ ahead of his side’s opening game today.

Qatar has come under intense scrutiny over the organisation of the tournament, in particular the conditions endured by migrant workers who have built the infrastructure needed to stage it.

In February 2021, the Guardian reported that 6,500 labourers had died in Qatar since it was awarded the World Cup. Authorities dispute the figure.

Qatar will make their World Cup debut with an opening Group A fixture against Ecuador, but the controversy will not stop when the football starts.

Sanchez said: ‘Obviously the loss of human life during working is the greatest tragedy we can endure, whether here in Qatar or anywhere else in the world.

‘We hope this World Cup means that all together we can work to improve conditions for these groups, not just in Qatar but everywhere.’