Geneva, May 27, 2024: Human rights experts urge FIFA to investigate Saudi Arabia before the World Cup bid in 2034.
Top lawyers have advised FIFA to consider the human rights record of Saudi Arabia before awarding the kingdom the hosting rights for the men’s World Cup tournament scheduled for the year 2034. A 22-page document submitted at FIFA headquarters in Zurich by Mark Pieth, Stefan Wehrenberg, and Rodney Dixon urges FIFA to ensure Saudi Arabia meets acceptable international human rights benchmarks.
Concerns persist about Saudi Arabia’s human rights record, particularly regarding freedom of speech, treatment of prisoners, migrant worker conditions, and women’s rights under the male guardianship system. Despite these issues, Saudi Arabia is making strides toward a more liberal and progressive society through its Vision 2030 program, which aims to transform the country’s economy and social landscape.
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As the only bid for the 2034 World Cup, Saudi Arabia’s bid comes under scrutiny for abuses against human rights. This has brought about criticism of FIFA’s commitment to human rights in all its processes concerning bidding and hosting of sporting events and the need to allow for independent human rights monitors together with credible experts in the process.
The legal specialists argue that having the influence, FIFA should not allow Saudi Arabia to get away with such actions and should stick to the organization’s principles. The bid submission deadline is in July, while the confirmation vote will be in December; thus, FIFA’s decision on Saudi Arabia’s hosting bid will be the crucial point to gauge the organization’s stance on human rights in the sports realm.
