Fifa's refusal to help bring about an improvement in labour laws in Qatar was labelled an “insult” by trade unions on Friday.

Qatar are due to host the World Cup in 2022 despite estimates that as many as 4,000 workers could die building the infrastructure needed to host the competition.

Fifa president Sepp Blatter, speaking at a two-day meeting in Zurich, said that it was not the governing body’s place to interfere in any country’s affairs.

Blatter said: “I will go with a delegation in the name of the ExCo of Fifa for a courtesy visit, but it is also a visit to confirm the World Cup 2022.

“But I will also touch on this concern which concerns many people in the world and that is the working conditions in that country, but we can’t be the ones who can change it.”

Blatter’s words drew a strong response from the International Trade Union Confederation, whose general secretary Sharan Burrow insisted that Fifa have the clout to play a leading role in improving the lives of migrant workers in the Middle Eastern state.

“Fifa has the power to make workers’ rights a condition of Qatar hosting the 2022 World Cup,” Burrow said. “There is still time to rerun the vote to choose a venue which respect workers.”

Of Blatter’s promise of a “courtesy visit,” Burrow added: “The settlement of this global dispute is dependent on actions by Fifa and the political will of the Qatari authorities, which are still absent. Fifa’s offer is an insult to the bereaved families.”