As FIFA prepares for a critical vote on December 11 regarding the host nation for the 2034 FIFA World Cup, Saudi Arabia stands as the sole bidder. However, human rights organizations are raising alarm over the potential consequences of awarding the tournament to the Gulf kingdom. Amid fears of migrant worker exploitation, severe restrictions on freedom of expression, and widespread discrimination, these groups argue that awarding the tournament to Saudi Arabia could lead to catastrophic human rights violations unless credible reform is implemented.
Human Rights Organizations Call for FIFA to Pause the Vote
International human rights organizations such as Amnesty International and the Sport and Rights Alliance (SRA) have expressed strong opposition to Saudi Arabia’s bid, urging FIFA to halt the vote unless there are concrete guarantees of reforms. Amnesty’s head of labor rights and sport, Steve Cockburn, emphasized the dire risks involved, stating, “There will be a real and predictable human cost to awarding the 2034 World Cup to Saudi Arabia without obtaining credible guarantees of reform.”
According to these groups, the lack of reforms in Saudi Arabia’s kafala sponsorship system, which ties migrant workers to their employers, puts vulnerable workers at risk of exploitation and abuse. The organizations argue that without addressing these systemic issues, awarding the World Cup to Saudi Arabia could result in the deaths of many migrant workers tasked with building the infrastructure for the event.
Migrant Worker Exploitation: A Grim Reality
Saudi Arabia’s extensive reliance on migrant labor for large-scale construction projects, including the World Cup infrastructure, raises significant concerns. Under the kafala system, migrant workers face limited legal protections, long working hours, unsafe working conditions, and low wages. In the absence of reforms to these exploitative labor practices, human rights organizations warn that the 2034 World Cup could become synonymous with migrant worker deaths, much like the Qatar World Cup 2022.
Amnesty’s Steve Cockburn further stressed the risks: “Saudi Arabia will require a vast number of migrant workers to deliver its World Cup ambitions, yet there are no commitments to reform the kafala system or introduce measures to prevent worker deaths.” Unless significant reforms are implemented, the tournament could become a symbol of human suffering rather than celebration.
Restrictions on Freedoms: The Case of Political Repression
Beyond labor issues, Saudi Arabia’s repressive political environment is another major concern for human rights advocates. The kingdom continues to jail activists, journalists, and critics of the government, often for expressing opinions deemed contrary to the state. Amnesty International has criticized Saudi Arabia’s ongoing crackdown on free speech and its jailing of peaceful dissidents.
The government’s reluctance to allow freedoms of assembly, expression, and association further complicates the human rights landscape. Human rights organizations argue that FIFA must ensure these issues are addressed before granting Saudi Arabia the responsibility of hosting a global event like the World Cup.
FIFA’s Role: A Test of Commitment to Human Rights
FIFA’s credibility as a governing body of international football is at stake. Andrea Florence, director of the Sport and Rights Alliance, warned that if FIFA proceeds with Saudi Arabia’s bid without addressing these human rights issues, it would send a clear message that the organization prioritizes profits over people. “Unless FIFA is honest about the scale and severity of the risks ahead, and acts to prevent them, it will be clear that its commitment to human rights is a sham,” Florence said.
For many, the decision to award the World Cup to Saudi Arabia appears to be driven by political and financial considerations rather than human rights. The Saudi government’s significant financial influence, including its stake in Aramco, one of the world’s largest energy companies, and its reported $400 million sponsorship deal with FIFA, raises questions about whether economic interests are driving the bidding process.
The Call for Separation of Votes: Scrutinizing Each Bid Individually
Another major concern raised by human rights groups is the process by which FIFA will determine the hosts for both the 2030 and 2034 World Cups. Currently, FIFA plans to hold a single vote for both tournaments, which critics argue could lead to a rushed decision without adequate scrutiny for each individual bid. Amnesty and the SRA have called for separate votes for each tournament, ensuring that each bid, including Saudi Arabia’s, is properly examined on its own merits.
The decision to bundle the voting for two World Cups together has been seen by many as a way to fast-track Saudi Arabia’s bid and minimize opposition. Such a move could diminish the level of scrutiny necessary to evaluate the long-term social, political, and environmental impacts of hosting the World Cup in Saudi Arabia.
Saudi Arabia’s Previous Efforts to Secure FIFA’s Support
There are also concerns about FIFA’s handling of the bidding process. In October 2022, FIFA announced that only countries from Asia and Oceania could bid for the 2034 World Cup. This announcement effectively ruled out competitors from other regions, including the United States, Canada, and many European nations. Saudi Arabia’s bid came within hours of the announcement, while Australia quickly opted out of challenging Saudi Arabia, leaving the kingdom as the uncontested bidder.
Critics argue that this move was designed to ensure Saudi Arabia’s unchallenged position as the 2034 host, a decision that many feel was heavily influenced by the country’s increasing political and economic clout in global sports.
The Need for Reform: A Call for Accountability
If FIFA moves forward with Saudi Arabia’s bid for the 2034 World Cup, it must secure binding commitments from the Saudi government to reform the kafala system, improve labor rights, and address the country’s repressive political environment. Amnesty International and the SRA stress that without these reforms, Saudi Arabia’s hosting of the World Cup could be marred by further human rights abuses, undermining FIFA’s commitment to the core values of equality, fairness, and human dignity.
The choice before FIFA is clear: either take a strong stand for human rights and demand meaningful reforms from Saudi Arabia, or risk sacrificing these principles for political gain and financial interests. The global football community, as well as millions of fans around the world, are watching closely to see whether FIFA will choose to uphold its human rights obligations or compromise them for the sake of a lucrative deal.
Conclusion: A Critical Moment for FIFA’s Integrity
The upcoming decision to award the 2034 World Cup to Saudi Arabia represents a pivotal moment in FIFA’s history. While the promise of economic benefits and political influence may be tempting, FIFA must ensure that its decision aligns with its commitment to protecting the rights and well-being of workers, fans, and citizens. The pressure is mounting for FIFA to act responsibly, prioritize human rights, and secure a future where football’s global stage truly reflects the values of fairness and equality for all.