Cheapskate Fifa looking for unpaid "volunteers"

[canada-man]

Volunteers need to be 18 or older at the time of application, be able to commit to eight shifts between June 11 and July 19, 2026, speak English (with French and Spanish also “desirable” in Canada and Mexico, respectively, with other languages a plus) and pass a background check, among other requirements.

While you can choose which host city you want to volunteer in, FIFA does not help with travel or accommodation. The role is unpaid, although local transportation costs in the host city may be covered.


Organizers of 2026 FIFA World Cup start search for some 65,000 tournament volunteers – Winnipeg Free Press

 

[tml]

Isn't this common with major golf and tennis tournaments?

 

[BigMz]

Isn't this common with major golf and tennis tournaments?

Not in canada. I know they had the PGA tour in ancaster a while back and were looking for support staff, and they paid way more than local jobs. I spent a month as a cook with them and made about 4 months of my usual salary with them. Plus they were constantly giving away free golf stuff too, so despite never touching the sport I nabbed a set of clubs.

 

[unassuming]

Olympic volunteers are unpaid, but they get free uniforms and paid meals during shift.

 

[Fighting_Amish]

So besides collecting money and bribes from host countries, TV deals, merchandise, and other licences, what does FIFA bring to the table?

 

[maurice93]

Not in canada. I know they had the PGA tour in ancaster a while back and were looking for support staff, and they paid way more than local jobs. I spent a month as a cook with them and made about 4 months of my usual salary with them. Plus they were constantly giving away free golf stuff too, so despite never touching the sport I nabbed a set of clubs.

I strongly believe you are incorrect in saying that all the jobs at the Canadian Open are "paid". Most are not. @Zoot Allures - you had a post about your experience working at the Canadian Open. Perhaps you can add some clarity, to my post below and correct me I am wrong.

Most of the people walking around the Canadian Open event during tournament week are volunteers, and are only working during the week of the event for no compensation - perhaps they have some perks, although I remember talking to some volunteers in the past where volunteers actually had to pay for their uniforms (maybe that has changed).. The people directing foot traffic, ball spotters, moving ropes, carrying the group score stick, a multitude of roles really (its probably upwards of a staff of 500 or more) needed for the event to run smoothly that week, are not paid. They are volunteering for the not for profit entity.

Now if you are working for one of the vendors (food service), a for profit entity, you are working for them and will be paid. It is illegal for them not to pay you. Or working for the security team that has been outsourced the parking lot or entrance contract, you will be paid. Also the tournament director / organization team will have some paid positions as those roles are beyond that week of play, As you were around for a month perhaps your role was with them.

But the majority of staff walking around at the Canadian Open are unpaid -- perhaps they had a few perks but not more than that.