Workers who helped to build FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 infrastructure enjoyed a once-in-a-lifetime experience as they met players and coaches from the USA, England, the Netherlands and Argentina during special community events organised by the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy (SC).
Titled ‘Team 360’, the sessions helped to build excitement for the tournament among local workers. They were organised by the SC’s Workers’ Welfare & Labour Rights Department to honour workers for their contribution to the tournament – which is the first FIFA World Cup to be held in the Middle East and Arab world, and will kick-off at Al Bayt Stadium on 20 November.
Workers who play amateur football or have previously taken part in the Workers’ Cup – also organised by the SC – volunteered to take part in the sessions.
The SC’s social and human legacy programme, Generation Amazing, facilitated the activities, which utilised football to promote unity, teamwork and leadership. The sessions were delivered in a fun way, each culminating with a penalty shoot-out involving the workers and players.
Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium worker, Jimmy Serwane, said: “The activity was stunning. It was one of the best moments of my life. I have met one of the best players in the world – Virgil van Dijk.”
Uzair Murtaza, a worker at Al Bidda Tower, said: “I feel happy to get our reward for our hard work. I love England and I really like Harry Kane and Raheem Sterling. I had an opportunity to meet the stars.”
England defender, Eric Dier, said: “It was a very nice experience. Obviously, we know how much effort they have put in to be able to have the World Cup here. It was nice to come and speak to them, and share our love for football.”
Netherlands goalkeeper, Remko Pasveer, said: “It was a really good meeting. We enjoyed it as a team. I think the guys also enjoyed it. We saw a lot of joy.”
Midfielder Yunus Musah was one of six USA players who took part. He said: “When I got the opportunity, I really wanted to come and see who helped build Qatar for the World Cup. To see and play with them was very special – I’m really glad they enjoyed it.”
Defender Tim Ream said: “Football is a game for everyone. To share the field with the workers was an amazing experience.”
The sessions were part of the Community Events Project, organised by the SC and the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 LLC (Q22).
The project aims to leave a lasting tournament legacy among different community groups, including workers, volunteers, young people, students and cultural groups.
HE Hassan al-Thawadi, Secretary-General, SC, and Chairman, Q22, said: “Our workers have played an immense role in the delivery of this historic tournament and this event is just one way of paying a small thank you to some of our staff.
“The health, safety and welfare of our employees has been our top priority and one of the main legacies from this tournament will be the enhancement of workers’ rights in Qatar, the region and globally. This legacy showcases the power of hosting the first FIFA World Cup in our region.”
The SC’s Workers’ Welfare Standards have had a positive impact on more than 30,000 workers engaged on Qatar 2022 infrastructure projects, including health and safety measures, nutrition programmes, the development of innovative workwear and the repayment of illegal recruitment fees.
The SC is committed to ensuring progress on workers’ rights is sustained beyond the FIFA World Cup, which will culminate with the final at Lusail Stadium on 18 December.
