Critics Urge FIFA to Address Human Rights Before 2034 World Cup Decision

Amnesty International and Sport & Rights Alliance demand FIFA delay selecting Saudi Arabia as host of the 2034 World Cup until significant human rights reforms are assured. Concerns include LGBTQ discrimination and exploitation of migrant workers. Saudi Arabia remains the sole bidder amid calls for international action.

FIFA faces mounting pressure from human rights organizations to delay choosing Saudi Arabia as the host of the 2034 World Cup unless significant reforms are pledged. Amnesty International and the Sport & Rights Alliance underscored their concerns in a recent report, demanding urgent action before the upcoming vote.

The report assesses human rights commitments by bidding countries and concludes that neither meets FIFA's ethical standards, with Saudi Arabia posing severe risks. Critics warn of discrimination against fans and exploitation of migrant workers if the Gulf nation wins the hosting rights without credible safeguards.

Amnesty's Steve Cockburn warns of an inevitable human cost, highlighting potential violations. Despite FIFA's continued bidding procedures, the calls for concrete human rights protections before awarding the World Cup to Saudi Arabia grow louder, amid the country’s attempts to polish its global image.

(With inputs from agencies.)