Qatar World Cup chief executive Nasser Al Khater described the death of a migrant worker as a “natural part of life”.
A man recently died while working on repairs to a complex, which served as a FIFA training center for Saudi Arabia before their elimination from the tournament.
Asked about the news by the BBC, Al Khater said: “We are in the middle of a World Cup and we have a successful World Cup and that is something you want to talk about right now?
“Death is a natural part of life, whether at work or in your sleep.
“A worker has passed away, our condolences to his family, but it’s strange that this is something you want to focus on as your first question.”
The comments appear at odds with the Qatari government, which has opened an investigation and promised serious consequences for any wrongdoing.
The 2022 World Cup has been shrouded in controversy since it was awarded to Qatar in 2010 – and the treatment of migrant workers has caused widespread outrage.
The Times reported in February 2021 that 6,500 migrant workers had lost their lives in Qatar since winning the World Cup, although officials say only 40 people have died in projects directly linked to the tournament.
Hassan Al-Thawadi, Secretary General of Qatar’s Supreme Committee for World Cup Delivery and Legacy, spoke to talkSPORT recently and insisted that the rights of migrant workers are protected.
He said, “Every worker has contributed to the development of our country.
“Every worker who has come here to provide a better life for their family back home is part of our society. They have contributed to the development of this country.
“The systems we have put in place, the reforms we have put in place stem from our values and our belief system – to ensure that the safety, security, health and dignity of all who work in Qatar be protected and improved.”