Date filed
20 June 2001
Keywords
Countries of harm

Allegations

The complaint states Adidas and Kubbinga’s Indian suppliers have violated labour rights in the production of footballs. The complaint is based on the report, “The dark side of football – child and adult labour in India’s football industry and the role of FIFA” (June 2000) and subsequent fieldwork.

ICN reported that during a visit to the Indian supplier of Adidas and another Dutch company, it confirmed there were no unions active. Except for some “stitching centres”, there was no indication that home producers receive minimum wages. There are also occupational health and safety concerns.

According to ICN’s data, the supplier outsourced production to Batala, which FIFA does not inspect. In November 1999, there was strong evidence that this supplier was using child labourers.

Even though Sports Goods Foundation of India stated no licensed production took place in Batala, Adidas has not provided any evidence to the contrary. ICN raised these issues with the NCP after its efforts to raise these issues with Adidas failed.

Relevant OECD Guidelines

Outcome

After one meeting with ICN and consulting with the OECD Investment Committee, the Dutch NCP rejected the complaint, citing the lack of an investment nexus.

More details

Defendant
Company in violation
Complainants
Affected people
Date rejected / concluded
27 October 2003

Related complaints

Documents