An international federation of labour unions, the Building and Wood Workers’ International (BWI), has alleged that FIFA blocked their request to inspect the Azteca Stadium in Mexico City.
Renovations are currently underway at the stadium in preparation for the 2026 World Cup.
BWI General Secretary Ambet Yuson emphasized the need for independent inspections to ensure global labour standards and worker safety. Yuson stated that the organization has previously inspected conditions for other major events, including past World Cups and Olympics.
However, FIFA maintained that such inspections were unnecessary due to existing local union representation and the absence of reported incidents. The organization also highlighted ongoing engagement with stakeholders and monitoring of worker conditions.
The Azteca Stadium, which first opened in 1966, is set to host five matches during the 2026 World Cup, making it the first stadium to host three World Cup opening matches. Renovations at the stadium began in May 2024, with plans to reopen later this year.
BWI claimed that FIFA pulled out of a negotiated agreement for joint inspections in Mexico, the U.S., and Canada, thereby preventing independent oversight at construction sites. The labour union expressed concerns about the working conditions and the vulnerability of non-unionized workers in Mexico.
In response, a FIFA spokesperson reiterated that the stadium’s renovation is not managed by FIFA but assured that they strive to uphold the highest international labour standards and the rights of workers involved in activities related to FIFA’s operations.
The ongoing dispute highlights the tension between international labour organizations and governing bodies over the standards and safety of workers involved in major sporting events.
