DFB says Qatar WC workers fund must come from FIFA

The German Football Federation (DFB) said on Friday that a compensation fund for migrant workers in the World Cup host nation of Qatar and their families is first and foremost a matter for the world governing body FIFA, reported dpa.

The statement came after fan initiative #boycottQatar2022 had said in an open letter to DFB president Bernd Neuendorf that the DFB should use its World Cup prize money for compensation payments should FIFA refuse setting such up a fund, and players should also add their personal bonuses.

"The DFB takes the information seriously and will enter into a dialogue with the fans, but refers to the clear responsibility of FIFA", the DFB said, citing FIFA's human rights policy.

The DFB can earn prize money between $9 million and $42 million at the World Cup, depending on how the team fares. German players can earn up to €400,000 ($03,000) each.

Qatar has been criticised for years over the treatment of migrant workers in the country, and although progress has been noted, human rights groups say that more needs to be done.

According to Qatar, only three workers have died on World Cup stadium construction sites while reports have said that thousands of migrant workers from three Asian countries alone have died in the country since it was awarded the tournament in 2010.

Rights groups have proposed that FIFA set up a compensation fund of $440 million which equals the prize money it dishes out to the 32 teams competing at the November 20-December 18 tournament.

The DFB supports setting up such a fund and said together with nine other European federations last week that "we will continue to press" FIFA for this compensation fund to be delivered.