WORLD CUP 2034: FIFA decision on Saudi is putting lives at risk, says Amnesty
LONDON: Human rights and labour organisations have attacked FIFA’s award of the 2034 World Cup finals to Saudi Arabia as the latest triumph for the country’s sports acquisition strategy.
Steve Cockburn, Amnesty International’s head of labour rights and sport, in a statement issued by 21 bodies, said: “FIFA’s reckless decision… will put many lives at risk,”
He added: “Based on clear evidence to date, FIFA knows workers will be exploited and even die without fundamental reforms in Saudi Arabia, and yet has chosen to press ahead regardless. The organisation risks bearing a heavy responsibility for many of the human rights abuses that will follow.”
Other objectors included Saudi diaspora human rights organisations, migrant workers’ groups from Nepal and Kenya, international trade unions, fans’ representatives and global human rights organisations.
Saudi Arabia has invested heavily in sport, revamping its domestic league by signing veteran superstars such as Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo and Brazil’s Neymar. Its Public Investment fund acquired English Premier League club Newcastle United and founded the LIV Golf tour, challenging the US-based PGA Tour’s dominance.
This year Saudi Arabia hosted the tennis WTA Finals for the first time. It also invested in world title boxing sports as part of Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman’s Vision 2030 economic transformation.
FIFA’s assessment of the bid was an “astonishing whitewash” of the country’s human rights record accordi.ng to Amnesty.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino defended the decision against critics, saying: “We are aware of critics and fears and I fully trust our hosts to address all open points. We have a transparency that will shape real and lasting change. That is what we expect and what we look forward to – social improvements and positive human rights impacts.
“That is one of the responsibilities of hosting a World Cup, and the world will of course be watching.”
Saudi Arabia has banned labour unions, does not have a minimum wage for migrant workers, and enforces the kafala system of foreign labourer sponsorship. However it has denied all accusations of human rights abuses.
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