As the global governing body of football, FIFA has the profound responsibility to ensure that its major tournaments, including the World Cup, are hosted by countries that respect human rights and promote an inclusive environment for all. Currently, as Saudi Arabia stands as the sole contender for the highly coveted 2034 World Cup, a spotlight on its human rights record becomes essential. Renowned organizations like Amnesty International and the Sport & Rights Alliance (SRA) have raised alarms regarding the implications of awarding the tournament to a nation criticized for serious human rights violations. Unless Saudi Arabia commits to substantial reforms prior to the upcoming vote, FIFA should consider halting the selection process.
The recent evaluations conducted by Amnesty and the SRA underscore a grim reality: the human rights protections proposed by the bidding nations, particularly Saudi Arabia, fall woefully short of FIFA’s own standards. The report indicates that awarding the World Cup to Saudi Arabia could lead to “severe and widespread” human rights violations. This grim forecast raises essential questions about the integrity of FIFA’s bidding process. Should a tournament, which is intended to be a celebration of global unity and diversity, be held in a country where discrimination and exploitation are rampant?
Moreover, the economic implications of hosting a major sporting event in a country with problematic labor practices cannot be overlooked. As Saudi Arabia gears up for the World Cup, it will require a large influx of migrant labor to build and refurbish the proposed 15 stadiums and create over 185,000 hotel rooms by 2032. However, the absence of a minimum wage for non-citizens and the lack of measures to ensure worker safety depict a troubling scenario reminiscent of the labor issues that marred the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
One of the most urgent issues in the discussion surrounding Saudi Arabia’s bid is its treatment of LGBTQIA+ individuals. In a country where same-sex sexual acts are punishable by death, concerns about the safety and acceptance of LGBTQIA+ fans during the World Cup must be addressed. Despite assurances from officials that “all fans are welcome” and that their privacy will be respected, skepticism lingers regarding the authenticity of these claims. The social climate in Saudi Arabia, characterized by stringent laws and regulations suppressing free expression, contradicts these promises and raises doubts about the country’s readiness to host such a diverse global event.
Such contradictions represent a fundamental challenge for FIFA. The organization must reconcile its ambition for inclusivity in sports with the risks associated with hosting a tournament in a nation with a documented history of human rights abuses. To proceed without transparent guarantees for the rights of all attendees, particularly marginalized groups, would delegitimize the integrity of the World Cup.
FIFA has often been criticized for prioritizing financial gains and commercial interests over ethical considerations. However, this moment presents a unique opportunity for the organization to take a stand and influence change in a country actively attempting to reshape its global image. By requiring Saudi Arabia to demonstrate credible, actionable reforms before advancing the selection process, FIFA could set a new precedent for future events, carving a path toward corporate accountability and social responsibility in sports.
As history has shown, the power of sport can drive societal change and promote human rights. Recognizing this potential, FIFA should lead by example, insisting that hosting the World Cup underscores a commitment to universal human rights. The world is watching, and the decision for 2034 could either reinforce the status quo of complicity in human rights abuses or pave the way for a framework conducive to real change.
As we approach the pivotal vote regarding the hosting of the 2034 World Cup, there is an undeniable imperative for FIFA to exercise its authority and take a principled stance on human rights. The call from Amnesty International and the SRA must resonate with FIFA’s leadership, pushing for substantive reforms in Saudi Arabia before proceeding with any decisions. The World Cup should epitomize unity, inclusion, and celebration, not serve as a platform that inadvertently endorses discrimination and exploitation. As fans around the globe anticipate the thrill of the World Cup, the narrative should not be tainted by human suffering and injustice. Instead, it should reflect the ideals that sport embodies: equality, respect, and the unifying power of the beautiful game.