Call to Halt Saudi Arabia's 2034 World Cup Bid Over Human Rights Concerns

Human rights groups urge FIFA to halt selecting Saudi Arabia as 2034 World Cup hosts unless substantial human rights reforms are assured. Amnesty International raises alarms about potential severe violations, citing risks for fans and migrant workers. Saudi Arabia pledges commitment to international standards and reforms amidst global scrutiny.

FIFA is under pressure from human rights groups to suspend Saudi Arabia's bid to host the 2034 World Cup. Amnesty International and the Sport & Rights Alliance have called for significant human rights reforms in the kingdom before the upcoming vote.

Concerns center around potential discrimination of LGBTQ people and exploitation of migrant workers, which Amnesty warns could result in "severe and widespread" violations. FIFA's evaluation reports for the bids are to be published before their extraordinary Congress on Dec. 11.

Saudi Arabia, the sole bidder, claims to welcome all fans and plans to align its laws with international standards. However, Amnesty highlights ongoing issues, including repression of free speech and inadequate worker protections, reminiscent of past controversies surrounding Qatar.

(With inputs from agencies.)