Amnesty International led the backlash after Saudi Arabia won the rights to host the 2034 World Cup, calling FIFA's commitment to human rights “sham.”
The Middle Eastern country will stage the biggest football event in 10 years after a process that did not require a vote, with the Saudi bid – the only one on the table – starting by acclamation (applause).
The Football Association chose to back the Saudi bid after receiving assurances that the country was “fully committed to providing a safe and welcoming environment for all fans”.
The FA also said it would work with FIFA and UEFA to ensure “commitments to respect all human rights are met.”
The International Federation of Association Football (FIFA) has confirmed that Saudi Arabia will be the host country for the 2034 World Cup.
Here's what you need to know about the history of sports washing in Saudi Arabia ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/o0NL67cNuM
— Amnesty International (@amnesty) December 11, 2024
Amnesty International took a completely different point of view.
As part of a group of 21 organizations that included migrant worker groups from Nepal and Kenya, international trade unions and fan representatives, a statement from Steve Cockburn of Amnesty International said: “FIFA’s reckless decision to award the 2034 World Cup to Saudi Arabia without ensuring adequate human rights protections It will put many people's lives in danger.
“Based on the clear evidence so far, FIFA knows that workers will be exploited and even die without fundamental reforms in Saudi Arabia, yet it has chosen to press ahead regardless. The organization risks bearing heavy responsibility for the many human rights violations that will follow.”
“At every stage of the bidding process, FIFA has shown that its commitment to human rights is a sham. At the same time, its continued failure to compensate migrant workers who have been exploited in Qatar gives little confidence that lessons have been learned. FIFA must He 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 oppression associated with his flagship tournament.
“FIFA’s flawed bidding process was also evident in awarding the right to organize the 2030 World Cup, leaving significant human rights risks unaddressed. From excessive policing and forced evictions to labor rights and legal discrimination, much remains to be done.” To ensure that everyone enjoys the 2030 tournament with full respect for their rights.
The Saudi offer is supported by the English Football Association
Despite Amnesty International's reservations, the FA chose to throw its support behind Saudi Arabia and the joint bid by Spain, Portugal and Morocco to stage the World Cup in 2030.
The FA statement said: “After careful review of both proposals, we have supported the two World Cup bids – from Spain/Portugal/Morocco in 2030, and Saudi Arabia in 2034. Both bids are technically strong and meet FIFA’s criteria to host the tournament.” Men's World Cup.
“Our focus is on ensuring all our fans are able to attend and enjoy the tournaments.
“The FA Board met with the Saudi Football Association last month to discuss their offer in more detail. We asked them to commit to ensuring that all fans are safe and welcome in Saudi Arabia in 2034 – including LGBTQ+ fans. They assured us they were fully committed.” Providing a safe and welcoming environment for all fans.
“Football is a global game, and it is for everyone. Our commitment to diversity and inclusion means respecting everyone, including all religions and cultures. We also believe that hosting the World Cup can be a catalyst for positive change, which can best be achieved by working collaboratively.” In partnership with host countries.
“We will work with FIFA and UEFA to ensure that commitments to respect all human rights are met.”
