The KNVB was surprised by the statements of FIFA president Gianni Infantino about the number of deceased migrant workers in Qatar. Secretary-General Gijs de Jong acknowledges this in conversation with the NOS.
Infantino argued two weeks ago that more than 6,500 people were killed during the construction of the World Cup stadiums, according to research by The Guardian pointed out. “That’s just not true,” said the Swiss. “The real number is three people. That’s still three too many. It’s a tragedy, but it’s a big difference.”
De Jong states that Infantino’s statements have not been denounced. “We have not questioned Infantino’s figures, nor have we done so with those of The Guardian† We’re not going to do that either. But it certainly surprised us,” he tells the US† “We are working together with people from the International Labor Organization (the international labor organization ILO, ed.), with other international trade unions and Amnesty International for a better future. Let’s focus on that.”
De Jong says that colleagues at UEFA share the surprise. “We had people from UEFA over at the final of the European Championship futsal. We spoke extensively and everyone shares that surprise. It does not contribute to what we want, which is better working conditions for the people who work there.”
De Jong was in Qatar with a delegation from the KNVB in recent days to look at a hotel and training accommodation where the Dutch national team may stay during the World Cup.
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