2022 World Cup Sponsors Comment on Working Conditions in Qatar

There has been no shortage of controversy regarding the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, and now two of the event's biggest sponsors are weighing in on concerns they have about the treatment of laborers.

According to Krishnadev Calamur of NPR.org, labor groups have described the working conditions in Qatar as "horrific." In the wake of that, both Coca-Cola and Visa have decided to issue statements.

Per Marketing Magazine, Coke is putting its faith in FIFA to ensure that the workers who are constructing venues for the 2022 World Cup are treated well.

"The Coca-Cola Company does not condone human rights abuses anywhere in the world," a company spokesman said. "We know FIFA is working with Qatari authorities to address specific labor and human rights issues. We expect FIFA to continue taking these matters seriously and to work toward further progress."

Visa took things a step further by revealing that it has actually spoken directly to FIFA, according to the company's corporate website:

"

We continue to be troubled by the reports coming out of Qatar related to the World Cup and migrant worker conditions. We have expressed our grave concern to FIFA and urge them to take all necessary actions to work with the appropriate authorities and organizations to remedy this situation and ensure the health and safety of all involved.

"

The World Cup and Qatar desperately need sponsor support in order to be successful, so the fact that both Coca-Cola and Visa are stepping up to the plate should bode well for regulations being put in place to ensure the health and safety of the workers.

If other sponsors follow suit, then all those involved with the World Cup may ultimately have no choice other than to come up with some type of labor reform in order to reverse the current downward trend.

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