FIFA President Gianni Infantino has led a meeting with a delegation of officials from Germany, headed by Minister of the Interior and Community Nancy Faeser, and including Parliamentary State Secretary Mahmut Özdemir, Germany’s Ambassador to Qatar, Claudius Fischbach, and German Football Association (DFB) President Bernd Neuendorf. The meeting took place in Doha, giving the parties the opportunity to discuss various matters relating to preparations, the delivery and the legacy of the FIFA World Cup™️, which will begin in Qatar on 20 November, with Germany featuring in Group E alongside Costa Rica, Japan and Spain. Amongst other topics, including fan experience and safety and security, the FIFA President highlighted how significant long-term progress in labour conditions, including the abolishment of the kafala system, the introduction of a minimum wage and heat protection measures for workers, had all been achieved in the very recent past – and recognised by independent organisations such as the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC) and the International Labour Organization (ILO). The delegation also received assurances that everybody will be welcome at the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™️.

“Having an open debate such as the one we had today, together with the many other discussions we have had with government authorities and FIFA member associations from all over the world, is essential to ensure that football’s unique power as a catalyst for change is used to unite and for positive social impact” the FIFA President said. FIFA was further represented at the meeting by Heimo Schirgi, FIFA Deputy Chief Operating Officer, FIFA World Cup; Helmut Spahn, FIFA Director of Safety, Security and Access; Myriam Burkhard, Head of International Relations & Public Affairs and Andreas Graf, Head of Human Rights & Anti-Discrimination.