In a tragic and deeply concerning development, the first known migrant worker death has been reported in connection to the construction of a World Cup stadium in Saudi Arabia. The worker, identified as Muhammad Arshad from Pakistan, died after a fall while working on the site of the Aramco Stadium in Al Khobar, one of the key venues for the upcoming 2034 FIFA World Cup.
This incident has sparked widespread international concern and renewed global attention on the working conditions faced by migrant laborers in the Gulf region, particularly as Saudi Arabia accelerates its massive infrastructure projects ahead of the global sporting event.
The Incident: A Fatal Fall at a World Cup Venue
The fatal accident occurred on March 12, 2025. Muhammad Arshad, who was employed as a foreman, was working on the construction of the Aramco Stadium when he fell from an upper level of the structure. According to initial reports, Arshad and two colleagues were performing formwork operations when a platform suddenly tilted.
Although all three workers were wearing fall-protection gear, Arshad’s harness was not connected to an anchor point at the time of the incident. This failure in safety protocol ultimately cost him his life. Emergency services arrived on the scene quickly and transported him to the hospital, but he died from his injuries shortly after.
This accident has raised serious questions about the enforcement of safety measures at such large-scale and high-risk construction sites. The fact that a foreman—someone typically expected to lead and model safe work practices—was not properly secured has added to concerns about the culture of safety at the worksite.
Grieving Family Left Behind
Back home in Pakistan, Arshad’s death has left his family shattered. His father, Muhammad Bashir, expressed immense sorrow and disbelief over the sudden loss. “The whole family is in shock,” he said. Arshad was a husband and father to three young children. He had traveled to Saudi Arabia with hopes of providing a better future for them, like many other migrant workers who leave their home countries in search of economic opportunities abroad.
Now, his family faces an uncertain future without their main breadwinner. There are growing calls for the companies involved and the Saudi government to provide adequate compensation and support to the bereaved family.
Who’s Responsible? Contractor and Stadium Details
The Aramco Stadium, named after Saudi Arabia’s state-owned oil giant, is being constructed by a joint venture involving several major companies, including Besix Group, a Belgian multinational known for its role in large-scale infrastructure projects worldwide.
Besix has confirmed the death and issued a statement expressing their condolences. The company claimed that the workers had been briefed on safety procedures and were wearing the correct gear at the time. However, they also acknowledged that Arshad was not attached to a safety anchor point, in violation of standard safety rules.
According to company sources, workers were also instructed not to post pictures or videos of the incident on social media, reportedly out of respect for the deceased and his family. However, critics argue this may also reflect an effort to control the narrative and limit potential backlash.
The Aramco Stadium is expected to hold over 46,000 spectators and play a major role during the 2034 World Cup. It is currently under fast-paced construction, as Saudi Arabia races against time to complete all necessary infrastructure in time for the tournament.
Safety and Human Rights Under the Microscope
This incident is not just a tragic loss of life—it is a red flag for international human rights and labor organizations that have long expressed concerns about how migrant workers are treated in Gulf countries. The Kingdom’s rapid development, especially in sectors like construction, relies heavily on a foreign labor force. These workers often come from South Asia and Africa, and many face poor living conditions, low wages, and limited labor protections.
Organizations such as Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch have warned that Saudi Arabia’s World Cup preparations could mirror the controversies that plagued Qatar in the lead-up to the 2022 World Cup. There, thousands of migrant workers reportedly died or were injured during construction work, although the exact number remains disputed due to inconsistent reporting practices.
In Saudi Arabia, human rights advocates fear the same pattern may repeat itself—especially since this is only the first publicly reported death, and construction has only recently ramped up.
“Sportswashing” and Global Criticism
Saudi Arabia has faced accusations of using sports events to “sportswash” its global image—promoting international events to distract from its human rights record. The Kingdom has invested billions in sports such as boxing, golf, and now, football.
When FIFA awarded the 2034 World Cup to Saudi Arabia, critics from around the world voiced concerns about freedom of expression, labor laws, and women’s rights in the country. While the Kingdom has introduced some reforms in recent years, including limited labor law changes, many argue they fall short of international standards.
The death of Muhammad Arshad has now brought these issues back into the spotlight, and human rights groups are demanding more transparency and accountability from both Saudi authorities and FIFA.
What Is FIFA Doing?
FIFA, the international governing body for football, has yet to release a comprehensive response to this specific incident. However, in the past, FIFA has claimed it is committed to upholding human rights standards in all countries that host its tournaments.
FIFA has been under pressure to introduce stronger oversight mechanisms to ensure that host countries not only deliver the infrastructure for a successful event but also protect the lives and dignity of those who make it possible.
Critics argue that without independent investigations, transparent reporting systems, and enforceable labor protections, FIFA’s promises remain just words on paper. They are now calling on FIFA to demand urgent reforms and detailed progress reports from Saudi Arabia.
What Happens Next?
Construction continues across Saudi Arabia as the nation gears up to host the World Cup in less than a decade. But this incident has brought forward difficult questions. Will this tragedy serve as a wake-up call for the Saudi government, construction companies, and FIFA? Or will it be just another statistic in a long line of labor-related casualties that often go unacknowledged?
The international community will be watching closely. The world’s biggest football tournament must not be built on the backs of exploited workers. For the sake of Muhammad Arshad, his family, and the countless others risking their lives in pursuit of a better future, urgent action is not just necessary—it is morally required.
