FIFA’s official response to the findings, released on October 4, contained no expression of concern for the men whose deaths will remain unexplained, made no call for changes to the grossly negligent laws that provide minimal protection in this harshest of climates, and included no demand for data on deaths or for investigations. Instead it bristled with self-important indignation at findings which yet again suggest the Qatari authorities cannot be trusted to provide the most basic protection to workers. 

FIFA deserves fierce criticism for its role in this situation, and it is right that journalists, rights groups and trade unions continue to shine a spotlight on the organization and demand that they do more. However, it’s about time the football community as a whole took a look at itself…The Human Rights Watch report made a long overdue call on the national football federations who will participate in the World Cup to make their own calls for reform…National federations are business that will profit from this tournament and so whether they like it or not it’s their responsibility to speak out against these abuses.