Qatar labour standards review casts shadow on World Cup plan Qatar sought to ease controversy over conditions for workers building venues for the 2022 World Cup as it unveiled the first stadium design for the tournament, saying a high-level review of labour standards in the Gulf state showed the tournament was a "catalyst for change." The cabinet is reviewing proposals to modify the so-called kafala sponsorship system. Under this, workers are forbidden from leaving an employer without its permission. It is also considering modifying restrictions on exit permits, said Hassan al-Thawadi, secretary-general of the Qatar 2022 supreme committee, in an interview following the launch of the stadium design. The issue of workers" rights, a source of criticism for many years, is coming under renewed scrutiny as questions over the treatment of labourers threatens to undermine the already sparse global goodwill towards Qatar's hosting of the tournament. Sheikh Hamad bin Jassim al-Thani, a former prime minister, as long ago as 2007 likened the kafala system to modern-day slavery. "There is progress on the ground, and a will to move forward," said Mr Thawadi. Efforts were already paying dividends, he said, pointing to the setting up of specific standards for contractors used to build the World Cup stadiums and related infrastructure. "We are working hard to reform these systems to create a sustainable system for the long term," he said. The continuing plight of a French footballer denied an exit visa by his sponsor is a vivid example of the system rights that groups say gives employers the whip hand over staff. Other expatriates have also found themselves trapped in Qatar after facing disputes with employers. Amnesty International said in a report released on Sunday that Qatar's construction sector was "rife with abuse" and called for an overhaul of the kafala system. The supreme committee said it valued Amnesty's contribution, saying it was taking steps to ensure workers" "dignity, health, safety and security." Qatari business groups have warned about changes to labour legislation, which they fear will raise costs, but Mr Thawadi said the private sector was "open to change." The Qatar 2022 supreme committee at the weekend unveiled plans for the first of the World Cup stadiums, in Al Wakrah, a coastal town 15km south of the capital. The contract for the arena will be tendered next year, with a 2018 delivery date. The stadium is designed by Iraqi-born and London-based architect Zaha Hadid. Internally and externally it reinterprets a Gulf dhow, reflecting the "seafaring spirit" of this former pearling town. The upper structure evokes a sail with arched timber trusses, inspired by a dhow's hull, spanning the stadium to create a column-free structure with unobstructed views from all seats. While Fifa is looking into the logistics of moving the tournament to winter, Qatar remains committed to being able to deliver a tournament in its fiercely hot summer. The stadium uses an exoskeleton to shield the ground-level glazing from sunlight. Temperature at pitch level will be 26°C, with shaded stands cooled to 28°. Public areas surrounding the stadium will be cooled to 32°. "This will deliver the right temperatures for spectators for a summer tournament," said Jim Heverin, lead architect. The steering committee, which is working with other state entities to co-ordinate plans, hopes to encourage the private sector to play a central role in the development. Doha's large new airport, years behind schedule, has raised fears about Qatar's ability to oversee the complex infrastructure needed to host the tournament. However, Mr Thawadi said the government would use its experience from the airport to organise the infrastructure programme for the World Cup more efficiently. "Lessons have been learned," he said.