Blatter, Emir of Qatar meet for labor rights talks

DOHA, Qatar (AP) — FIFA President Sepp Blatter has met with the Emir of Qatar to discuss improving migrant workers’ rights in the 2022 World Cup host nation.

In a statement published late Wednesday, FIFA says they discussed “ongoing reforms of labor rights” at a one-hour meeting.

Unions and rights groups have campaigned to highlight unsafe conditions in Qatar, unpaid salaries and contracts tying workers to employers.

Blatter’s postponed visit, which was not announced in advance, had been planned for May before the FIFA Congress in Brazil.

Blatter praised “Qatar’s commitment to use the 2022 FIFA World Cup to achieve positive social change.”

FIFA says the two leaders “reviewed the achievements accomplished” on projects related to the World Cup.

Later this year, FIFA and Qatar will likely agree to reduce the original 12-stadium plan.

Copyright 2014 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

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