BARRIO – A top Qatari official admitted that between 400 to 500 migrant workers died while working on projects tied to the FIFA World Cup, significantly higher than previous official figures indicated.

Hassan Al-Thawadi, chief of the iconic soccer event, disclosed the amount during an interview with Piers Morgan this past Monday, saying hundreds of migrant workers died as a consequence of World Cup labor.

“Between 400 and 500,” Al-Thawadi told the British reporter in a response that appeared off the cuff, adding, “I don’t have the exact number. That’s something that’s being discussed.”

“One death is too many. It’s as simple as that.”

Prior to the interview, the death toll was said to be around 40.

Some reports indicate that Qatar is still not being straight with the true stats. In fact, some mention thousands of workers have died due to World Cup labour.

Despite admitting to the hundreds of deaths, Al-Thawadi claims the health and safety standards have improved since they won the bid to host in 2010.

This World Cup is considered the most expensive ever at an estimated $200 billion (for new stadiums, metro lines and infrastructure) and is the first to be held in the Arab world.