Gillian Mackay MSP has written to the Scottish FA demanding answers on why they backed the award of the 2034 World Cup to Saudi Arabia, believing that the ‘shameful’ decision represents ‘a dark day for football’.
Herald Sport understands that the SFA supported the Saudi bid as well as giving their approval to the joint bid from Spain, Portugal and Morocco to host the event in 2030, with the governing body satisfied that the ‘strong’ bids met the criteria laid out by FIFA in order to host the tournament.
The bidding process for the World Cup has been widely criticised, with the national associations only being provided with one voting option and showing their support ‘by acclamation’ – clapping in front of their cameras via video link – at Wednesday’s FIFA Congress.
But Scottish Greens MSP Mackay is concerned that Saudi Arabia will be allowed to ‘sportswash’ their history of human rights abuses through their hosting of the tournament, and she has asked the SFA to not only explain to the Scottish public why they gave the award their blessing, but to reconsider their position.
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“The decision to award the 2034 World Cup to Saudi Arabia was a shocking and shameful one,” Mackay said.
“The Saudi regime is one of the most brutal and repressive dictatorships anywhere in the world. For years now, it has poured money into hosting elite sports in a bid to cover up its awful human rights record. It should not be allowed to treat football’s biggest tournament as a propaganda vehicle.
“Football is meant to be for everyone, and this sends a terrible message about FIFA’s commitment to human rights, and many fans across Scotland and beyond will be rightly appalled by the decision.
“Especially at a time when more girls and women than ever before are taking up football, we need to speak up for equality and inclusivity in our sport.
“A lot of us would be extremely disappointed if the SFA offered its backing to the bid. I urge the Chief Executive and his team to listen to the voices and experiences of human rights campaigners and join the call for FIFA to think again.”
