With Uganda yet to play in a World Cup, the chances of hosting it also lingers in the air but help in building infrastructure from bodies like CAF and FIFA has already started coming through.
However the Building and Wood Workers’ International (BWI) and FIFA have signed a new five-year agreement to ensure safe and decent working conditions for everyone involved in building and renovating stadiums and infrastructure for future FIFA tournaments.
The deal, signed by BWI President Per-Olof Sjöö and FIFA Secretary General Mattias Grafström during BWI’s 20th anniversary celebrations, runs until 2030 and formalizes more than a decade of cooperation between the two bodies.
Under the pact, BWI and FIFA will carry out joint labour inspections at World Cup and tournament-related worksites while guaranteeing worker confidentiality and protection from retaliation. The framework also includes training for workers’ representatives, grievance handling, and occupational health and safety programs.
If violations occur, FIFA and BWI will work with relevant parties to create and monitor corrective action plans. Annual reports summarizing progress and challenges will be published through FIFA’s Human Rights and Sustainability Sub-Committee.
The agreement builds on lessons from the 2022 Qatar World Cup, where similar cooperation led to improved safety standards and better grievance systems.
With major tournaments coming up in North America (2026), South America, Europe, and Africa (2030), and Saudi Arabia (2034), the deal provides a clear structure to protect workers across diverse regions and industries.
“This agreement builds on years of experience and partnership,” said Ambet Yuson, BWI General Secretary.
“It ensures that human rights commitments lead to real improvements for workers.”
FIFA’s Mattias Grafström added, “All workers involved in projects connected to FIFA tournaments deserve fair pay, safe workplaces, and social protection. Everyone should benefit when a country hosts a FIFA event, including those who build it.”
The new pact marks a milestone in global sports governance, strengthening FIFA and BWI’s shared commitment to transparency, accountability, and respect for workers’ rights.
