Fifa Forms Human Rights Panel

FIFA has set up an advisory panel dedicated to the subject of human rights. The panel will include representatives from FIFA sponsors adidas and Coca-Cola, corruption watchdog Transparency International, the United Nations, and the world players’ organisation FIFPro.

The Human Rights Advisory Board will provide FIFA with advice on all issues that the board members may consider relevant for the implementation of Fifa’s human rights responsibilities.

FIFA said the new panel will meet at least twice a year, with the first meeting scheduled today (Monday). In a statement, FIFA said it will be “providing FIFA with advice on all issues that the board members may consider relevant for the implementation of FIFA’s human rights responsibilities.”

The news comes following criticism it has overlooked human rights in countries staging tournaments. South Africa and Brazil were criticized over alleged human rights violations, whilst there are also concerns about Russia and Qatar staging the next two World Cups.

Qatar has faced criticism of its treatment of foreign workers from Amnesty International, the Building and Wood Workers’ International organisation and others.

The Qatari government introduced a new law in December which it said would replace the controversial “kafala” or sponsorship system that forces foreign workers to seek their employer’s consent to change jobs or leave the country.

“It is the first advisory board of its kind for any sports federation, and we look forward to the pioneering work we will jointly undertake,” FIFA secretary general Fatma Samoura said in a statement.

“Football has a huge global following, cutting across all social boundaries,” said panel member Lene Wendland, UN advisor on business and human rights.

“There is therefore huge potential for FIFA to play a dynamic role in standing up for human rights.”