FIFA has been accused of violating its commitment to worker safety after allegedly denying inspectors access to review working conditions at Estadio Azteca, one of the stadiums set to host matches during the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Is FIFA dodging responsibility?

Representatives of the Building and Wood Workers' International (BWI) union claim they were informed just before a scheduled March 10 visit that they would not be allowed to enter Estadio Azteca. According to BWI, labor conditions in World Cup-related projects in Mexico have been subject to minimal oversight, and access to information about progress has been restricted. The organization alleges that FIFA had previously negotiated an agreement for joint inspections across the tournament’s three host countries—Mexico, the U.S., and Canada—but backed out at the last moment.

FIFA’s human rights policy states that the organization seeks to uphold and promote the highest international labor standards and aims to ensure respect for labor standards among its business partners and in all activities directly related to its operations." BWI General Secretary Ambet Yuson criticized FIFA, accusing the governing body of "shirking responsibility and failing to learn from previous human rights controversies in Russia and Qatar.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino has no problem posing for pictures with the U.S. president, yet FIFA cannot even guarantee basic protection for the workers building its own spectacle. They learned nothing from Qatar and Russia. No more excuses, no more delays. FIFA must act now, or the 2026 World Cup in North America will become yet another example of broken promises and neglected workers, Yuson stated.

© ProtoplasmaKid (CC BY-SA 4.0)

FIFA responds: denies allegations, assures full cooperation

A FIFA spokesperson denied the accusations, stating that Estadio Azteca and its renovation process are not managed by FIFA. However, FIFA reaffirmed its commitment to complying with international labor standards and ensuring workers' rights are respected in projects directly related to its operations. The Confederación Autónoma de Trabajadores y Empleados de México (CATEM) is overseeing worker rights on-site, while FIFA is also collaborating with the Mexican Chamber of the Construction Industry (CMIC) to ensure labor standards are met. FIFA places great importance on labor rights and compliance with both national and international requirements. We will continue to work closely with our Mexico office and partners on this matter, the spokesperson concluded.

© Stadiony.net