Just one year away from the 2022 World Cup 3:09
(CNN) -
With just under a year to go before the Qatar 2022 World Cup, FIFA President Gianni Infantino said he has seen a "great evolution" in the Gulf country.
Speaking to CNN Sport's Amanda Davies, Infantino was asked about reports - the most recent from the International Labor Organization (ILO) on Thursday - on human rights issues in Qatar.
Last week's ILO report claimed that at least 50 Qatari workers died in 2020, and stated that the country was not adequately investigating these workplace deaths.
Non-governmental organizations have reported that immigrant workers participating in World Cup infrastructure projects have been mistreated and abused.
The Qatari Labor Ministry said in a statement that "the figures published in the media on the deaths of migrant workers have been tremendously misleading."
Fans enjoy Argentina's pass to the Qatar World Cup 1:29
"The government has been transparent about the health of our foreign population, and in reality, mortality levels in Qatar are on par with the broader demographics globally. Still, improving the health and well-being of foreign workers remain a top priority, "the ministry added.
advertising
Although Infantino said "more needs to be done," he said he had seen the progress made in the Gulf country.
"I have seen the great evolution that has taken place in Qatar, which has been recognized, not by FIFA. But by unions around the world, by international organizations," Infantino told Davies.
Qatar Inappropriately Investigating Worker Deaths, ILO Says Ahead Of 2022 World Cup
"Of course there is more to do ... obviously it's a process. I think we can say that without the World Cup and ... without the World Cup spotlight, the whole process would have taken much longer. weather".
"Steps have been taken, steps will be taken. I think we also have to recognize the positive if we want to encourage those who have embraced a path like Qatar's to continue down that path, acknowledge what has been done, look at the facts and the concrete figures make the necessary criticisms as well, but always trying to be constructive and see what has been done and what can be done more in a positive sense ".
The 2022 edition, which will be the first to be held in the winter, will begin in Qatar on November 21 and conclude on December 18.
Gianni Infantino World Cup Qatar 2022
