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Amnesty International has hit back after Saudi Arabia was awarded the right to host the 2034 World Cup, describing FIFA’s commitment to human rights as “absurd”.
The Middle East will hold the biggest football event in 10 years following a process that did not require a vote and the Saudi demands – the only one on the table – led by cheers (hands).
The Football Association decided to accept Saudi Arabia’s demands after receiving assurances that the country is “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 that “commitments to respect human rights are met”.
FIFA has confirmed that Saudi Arabia will host the 2034 World Cup.
Here’s what you need to know about Saudi Arabia’s history of washing games ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/o0NL67cNum
– Amnesty International (@amnesty) December 11, 2024
Amnesty had a completely different opinion.
As among the 21 organizations that included groups of migrant workers in Nepal and Kenya, international trade unions and fan representatives, a statement from Steve Cockburn of Amnesty said: “FIFA’s reckless decision to award the 2034 World Cup to Saudi Arabia without ensuring that adequate human rights protections are in place will put many lives at risk.
“Based on the clear evidence to date, FIFA knows that workers will be tortured and even die without reform in Saudi Arabia, yet it has chosen to continue. The organization risks being held responsible for the many human rights abuses that will follow.
“Throughout these campaigns, FIFA has shown its commitment to human rights to be a sham. Meanwhile, its failure to pay Qatari migrant workers who have been abused in Qatar gives little confidence that lessons will be learned. FIFA must change course quickly and ensure that the World Cup is accompanied by diversity. in Saudi Arabia, or risk a decade of brutality, discrimination and repression associated with its leading competition.
“FIFA’s wrongdoing was also evident in the awarding of the 2030 World Cup, where serious human rights threats are not being addressed. From extreme policing and forced deportations to labor rights and legal discrimination, there is much more to be done to ensure that the 2030 tournament is enjoyed by everyone with respect their rights.”
The Saudi promotion is sponsored by the FA
Despite Amnesty’s doubts, the FA decided to provide support behind Saudi Arabia and the agreement that came from Spain, Portugal and Morocco to host the World Cup in 2030.
The FA’s statement said: “After careful review of both proposals, we have supported two bids for the World Cup – from Spain/Portugal/Morocco in 2030, and Saudi Arabia in 2034. Both bids are technically strong and meet FIFA’s requirements to host the tournament. Men’s World Cup.
“Our aim is to ensure that all our fans can attend and enjoy the competition.
“The FA met with the Saudi Arabian Football Federation last month to discuss their demands in 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 that they are fully committed to providing a safe and welcoming environment.” for all the fans.
“Football is an international sport, and it belongs to everyone. Our commitment to diversity and inclusion means respecting all people, 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 together in partnership with host countries.
“We will work with FIFA and UEFA to ensure that our commitments to respect human rights are met.”
