Two United States senators have raised concerns over FIFA's potential selection of Saudi Arabia as the host country for the 2034 World Cup. The senators highlighted Saudi Arabia's human rights record and urged FIFA to choose a host country with a better track record in upholding human rights.
Saudi Arabia emerged as the sole candidate for the 2034 World Cup after a fast-track nomination process initiated by FIFA last year. Despite concerns about the kingdom's ability to build the necessary stadiums and potential labor rights issues, the Saudi bid has been widely expected to be approved.
The senators emphasized that approving Saudi Arabia's bid could pose risks to workers, athletes, tourists, and members of the press. They pointed to ongoing human rights violations in the kingdom, including torture of dissidents, extrajudicial killings, discrimination against the LGBTQ+ community, and restrictions on political rights and civil liberties.
While Saudi officials have highlighted reforms aimed at modernizing society, concerns about labor protections, press freedoms, and non-discrimination remain unaddressed. The senators called on FIFA to conduct a thorough re-evaluation of Saudi Arabia's bid and select a host country that upholds human rights standards.
FIFA's close ties to Saudi Arabia, including a recent sponsorship deal with a state-owned oil firm, have raised questions about the independence of the bidding process. Critics have called for a more rigorous assessment of human rights risks associated with hosting the World Cup in Saudi Arabia.
The senators' letter to FIFA comes ahead of a crucial meeting in December where member federations are expected to endorse the Saudi bid for the 2034 World Cup. The senators' intervention underscores growing international scrutiny of FIFA's decision-making process and the need to prioritize human rights considerations in selecting host countries for major sporting events.
As the debate continues, FIFA faces mounting pressure to address concerns about human rights violations and ensure that the World Cup is hosted in a country that respects fundamental rights and freedoms.
