Qatar announces 1st 'work-related' World Cup stadium death

A worker on a Qatar World Cup stadium site has died in the first work-related fatality to be announced by organizers of the 2022 soccer tournament that has been dogged by concerns about labor conditions.

Qatar has previously reported three deaths at stadium construction sites but said they were not "work-related."

The tiny, gas-rich country is relying on its large workforce of Asian laborers to build stadiums and related infrastructure to cope with staging soccer's biggest tournament in the Middle East for the first time.

The Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy, which is tasked with building World Cup sites, did not name the worker who died on Saturday morning at Al Wakrah Stadium or provide his nationality.

"It is with deep regret we announce a work-related fatality on one of our projects," the committee said on its website.

FIFA is awaiting a report from Qatari organizers.

"A full investigation is underway to determine the factors which contributed to the death of one of our workers," the Supreme Committee said. "The relevant authorities were immediately informed and the family of the deceased have been notified. We offer them all the necessary support they may need at such a difficult time."

Al Wakrah Stadium, which is 15 kilometers south of the capital Doha, is intended to resemble the sails on a traditional Qatari dhow boat and was designed by Zaha Hadid before the architect's death in March. The 40,000-capacity venue is due to be completed by 2018 and host games up to the quarterfinals at the 2022 World Cup.

The emirate is expected to spend tens of billions of dollars before the November-December 2022 tournament kicks off, preparing eight new and renovated stadiums and related projects such as transport links and accommodation.

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Rob Harris is at www.twitter.com/RobHarris and www.facebook.com/RobHarrisReports