Last year The Guardian did an investigation on the conditions for the migrant workers set to build the offices of the Qatari World Cup, and then in May, ESPN did another investigation. Every story proved to be deplorable and almost slave-like in the eyes of some civil rights activists around the world. Workers are alleging that they haven’t been paid in over a year and several videos and pictures of roach-infested housing have been shown.
Workers say they just want to be paid what was promised to them. Others say they would go just home if they had the money to pay for a ticket to leave Qatar. Meanwhile, Qatar says it is focusing on a commitment to improving labor conditions. They are slated to start construction on five new stadiums this year, and it is anticipated that several hundred thousand more migrant workers will travel to help with the building.
Only time will tell if things will indeed get better for the laborers, but several thousand people have already been confirmed dead .
[h/t Sports Illustrated]