Qatari official estimates 400-500 deaths in World Cup preparation

Hassan Al-Thawadi, a high-ranking Qatari official in charge of helping to organize the 2022 World Cup, said in a recent interview that an estimated 400-500 migrant workers died during construction in the lead-up to the tournament. 

The comment was made during an interview with British journalist Piers Morgan on Monday, and is significantly higher than any previous estimates that came from the country. Those estimates had previously been around 40 deaths, and not all of them related to construction. Al-Thawadi referenced that number during the interview before going further and citing the 400-500 number to include for all of the tournament infrastructure. 

On Tuesday, Qatar tried to clarify Al-Thawadi's remarks and the numbers he quoted with a statement through a Qatari Supreme Committee spokesperson.

From the Associated Press:

"The Secretary General told Piers Morgan's 'Uncensored' programme that there were 3 work-related deaths and 37 non-work related deaths on the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy's projects. "This is documented on an annual basis in the SC's public reporting and covers the 8 stadiums, 17 non-competition venues and other related sites under the SC's scope. "Separate quotes regarding figures refer to national statistics covering the period of 2014-2020 for all work-related fatalities (414) nationwide in Qatar, covering all sectors and nationalities."

Qatar was awarded the 2022 World Cup more than a decade ago, and in the lead-up to the tournament its human rights record has been a constant focal point for criticism, with FIFA coming under fire for its decision to award the country with the tournament. 

Al-Thawadi admitted during his interview with Morgan the country needs to do better with workers, and that it has improved conditions since the 2010 awarding of the tournament.