FIFA – the world footballing governing body – will set up an independent body to monitor the working conditions for migrant workers in Qatar ahead of the World Cup 2022.

Concluding his two-day visit in the Gulf state, FIFA president Gianni Infantino announced the initiative to ensure decent conditions for those working on World Cup stadiums. The body will include “relevant sectors of civil society” and other FIFA stakeholders.

Infantino said the Supreme Committee – the organiser of the Qatar 2022 World Cup – is “on the right track”, highlighting its response to the damning report published by Amnesty International which alleged significant human rights abuses on South Asian migrants working on infrastructure.

“This shows that the mechanisms in place are working related to FIFA World Cup construction although challenges remain,” said Infantino, adding that “we take our responsibility seriously and are committed to playing our part”.

Following the publication of the Amnesty report, the Supreme Committee revealed that it had hired independent auditor Impactt Ltd to monitor the Workers’ Welfare Standards – a set of “enforceable principles and regulations” which are found in all contracts for World Cup infrastructure projects.