Amnesty International led the backlash after Saudi Arabia was awarded the 2034 World Cup hosting rights, describing FIFA’s commitment to human rights as a “fraud”.
The Middle Eastern nation will host football’s biggest event in 10 years after a process that did not require a vote with Saudi Arabia’s bid – the only one on the table – opening with cheers (applause).
The FA chose to back Saudi Arabia’s bid 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 “commitments to respect all 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 sportswashing history ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/o0NL67cNuM
— Amnesty International (@amnesty) December 11, 2024
Amnesty had a completely different view.
As part of a group of 21 organizations that included migrant worker groups from Nepal and Kenya, international unions and fan representatives, a statement by Amnesty’s Steve Cockburn said: “FIFA’s reckless decision to award the 2034 World Cup to Saudi Arabia without ensure The existence of adequate human rights protection will pose many lives at risk.
“Based on clear evidence to date, FIFA knows that workers will be exploited and even die without fundamental reforms in Saudi Arabia, and yet it has chosen to proceed regardless. The organization risks bearing heavy responsibility for many of the human rights abuses that will follow.
“At every stage of this bidding process, FIFA has shown that its commitment to human rights is a sham. Meanwhile, its continued failure to compensate exploited migrant workers in Qatar provides little confidence that lessons have been learned. FIFA must urgently change course and ensure the World Cup is accompanied by far-reaching reforms in Saudi Arabia or risk a decade of exploitation, discrimination and repression linked to its flagship tournament.
“FIFA’s flawed bidding process was also evident in the award of the 2030 World Cup, with significant human rights risks remaining unaddressed. From excessive policing and forced evictions to workers’ rights and legalized discrimination, much must be done to ensure that the 2030 tournament can be enjoyed by all with full respect for their rights.”
Saudi Arabia’s bid receives FA backing
Despite Amnesty’s reservations, the FA chose to back Saudi Arabia and the joint bid by Spain, Portugal and Morocco to host the 2030 World Cup.
An FA statement read: “After careful consideration 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 the criteria of FIFA to host the Men’s World Cup.
“Our focus is to ensure that all our fans can watch 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 that they are fully committed to providing a safe and welcoming environment for all fans.
“Football is a global game and it’s for everyone. Our commitment to diversity and inclusion means we respect everyone, including all religions and cultures. We also believe that hosting World Cups can be a catalyst for positive change, which is best achieved by working collaboratively with host countries.
“We will work with FIFA and UEFA to ensure that commitments to respect all human rights are met.”
