Amnesty International has led the backlash after Saudi Arabia was awarded hosting rights to the 2034 World Cup, describing FIFA’s commitment to human rights as a “sham”.
The Middle East nation will stage football’s biggest event in 10 years’ time following a process that didn’t require a vote with Saudi’s bid – the only one on the table – ushered through via acclamation (applause).
The Football Association opted to back Saudi Arabia’s bid after receiving assurances the country is “fully committed to providing a safe and welcome environment for all fans”.
The FA also said it will work with FIFA and UEFA to ensure that “commitments to respect all human rights are delivered”.
FIFA has confirmed that Saudi Arabia will be the host of the 2034 World Cup.
Here’s what you need to know about Saudi Arabia’s history of sportswashing ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/o0NL67cNuM
— Amnesty International (@amnesty) December 11, 2024
Amnesty took an altogether different view.
As part of a group of 21 organisations that included migrant workers’ groups from Nepal and Kenya, international trade unions and fans’ representatives, a statement from Amnesty’s Steve Cockburn read: “FIFA’s reckless decision to award the 2034 World Cup to Saudi Arabia without ensuring adequate human rights protections are in place will put many lives at risk.
“Based on clear evidence to date, FIFA knows workers will be exploited and even die without fundamental reforms in Saudi Arabia, and yet has chosen to press ahead regardless. The organisation risks bearing a heavy responsibility for many of the human rights abuses that will follow.
“At every stage of this bidding process, FIFA has shown its commitment to human rights to be a sham. Meanwhile, its continued failure to compensate migrant workers who were exploited in Qatar provides scant confidence that lessons have been learned. FIFA must urgently change course and ensure that the World Cup is accompanied by wide-ranging reforms in Saudi Arabia, or risk a decade of exploitation, discrimination and repression connected to its flagship tournament.
“FIFA’s flawed bidding process was also evident in the awarding of the 2030 World Cup, with significant human rights risks being left unaddressed. From excessive policing and forced evictions to workers’ rights and legalised discrimination, there remains a huge amount to do to ensure the 2030 tournament can be enjoyed by everyone in full respect of their rights.”
Saudi bid gets FA backing
Despite Amnesty’s reservations, the FA opted to throw its support behind Saudi Arabia and the joint bid from Spain, Portugal and Morocco to stage the World Cup in 2030.
An FA statement read: “After a careful review of both proposals, we supported the two World Cup bids – from Spain/Portugal/Morocco in 2030, and Saudi Arabia in 2034. Both bids are technically strong and meet the FIFA criteria to host the Men’s World Cup.
“Our focus is on ensuring that all our fans can attend and enjoy tournaments.
“The FA board met the Saudi Arabian Football Federation last month to discuss their bid in more detail. We asked them to commit to ensuring all fans would be safe and welcome in Saudi Arabia in 2034 – including LGBTQ+ fans. They assured us that they are fully committed to providing a safe and welcome environment for all fans.
“Football is a global game, and is for everyone. Our commitment to diversity and inclusion means being respectful of all, including all religions and cultures. We also believe that hosting World Cups can be a catalyst for positive change, which is best delivered by working collaboratively in partnership with host nations.
“We will work with FIFA and UEFA to ensure that commitments to respect all human rights are delivered.”
