Fifa appalled by Qatar World Cup 'slavery' claims

2022 tournament comes in for criticism in investigation

FIFA are to investigate the conditions of construction workers in projects at Lusail City (Getty)

Fifa has admitted that it is "very concerned" at the findings of an investigation into the treatment of migrant workers in Qatar, hosts of the 2022 World Cup.

The world governing body will contact World Cup organisers and discuss the findings next week after The Guardian produced a report and video alleging that Nepalese workers in Qatar "face exploitation and abuses that amount to modern- day slavery".

Fifa's executive committee is due to decide on the principle of moving the Qatar tournament to the winter, at its meeting in Zurich next Thursday and Friday, and it will now discuss the issues raised by the report.

Fifa said in a statement: "Fifa is very concerned about the reports presented by the media regarding labour rights abuses and the conditions for construction workers in projects at Lusail City, Qatar. Fifa will again get in contact with the Qatari authorities on the matter."

Qatari officials are adamant that working conditions will be suitable for those involved in construction of World Cup facilities.

A Qatari statement read: "There is no excuse for any worker in Qatar to be treated in this manner. The health, safety, well-being and dignity of every worker... is of the utmost importance."