• 40-year-old loses life at Khalifa International Stadium, organisers confirm • ‘An investigation into the cause of this fatality is under way’ reads statement

This article is more than 3 years old

This article is more than 3 years old

The organisers of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar have announced a British man has died while working on one of the tournament’s venues.

In a statement posted on its website on Thursday night, the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy said: “Earlier today, a 40-year-old British male lost his life working on Khalifa International Stadium.

“The relevant authorities have been notified and the next of kin has been informed. An immediate investigation into the cause of this fatality is under way and further details will be released in due course.

“The Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy shares our deepest condolences with the family for their loss.”

Dr Rosena Allin-Khan MP, Labour’s shadow sports minister, said: “My thoughts go out to the friends and family of the person who tragically died working on a construction site in Qatar. It is unacceptable that basic health and safety precautions are not being followed. Fifa and the Qatari authorities should not be putting profit before safety.

“Fifa president Gianni Infantino needs to show where his priorities lie, launch an urgent investigation and ensure everything is done to protect workers.”

The multipurpose venue in Doha – the current home of the Qatar national team – is being extended from its current capacity of 40,000 to 68,000 and will host the 2019 World Athletics Championships. It is scheduled to host World Cup matches up to the quarter-final stage in 2022.