FIFA has been accused of ignoring human rights concerns in Saudi Arabia before confirming Saudi Arabia as host of the 2034 World Cup. The Building and Wood Workers’ International (BWI) this week publicized examples of abuses of migrant workers and FIFA’s failure to respond to its requests for dialogue.
BWI has just filed a complaint with the International Labor Organization, citing abuses against thousands of workers, primarily Filipinos, Nepalis and Pakistanis. Despite these complaints, FIFA has failed to effectively address the concerns.
THE RISK OF A “PERMANENT STAIN”
BWI secretary general Ambet Yuson has warned that awarding the World Cup to Saudi Arabia without a rigorous human rights assessment could “permanently tarnish” the tournament’s image, especially if labor abuses continue to be ignored.
FIFA, for its part, says it is preparing risk assessment reports, including sustainability and human rights criteria, to be published before December, when Saudi Arabia could be officially confirmed as the host country. The BWI argues that labor conditions and human rights in Saudi Arabia have not been sufficiently assessed by the sports organization.
GROWING CONCERNS AMONG LEGAL GROUPS
Just over two weeks ago, a group of lawyers also accused FIFA of failing to engage with their legal concerns about Saudi Arabia. They claimed the organization was “dealing with the devil” by going ahead with the Saudi bid.
As December approaches, the pressure on FIFA to address human rights concerns increases. Article 7 of FIFA’s human rights policy sets out its obligation to engage constructively with the authorities and ensure compliance with its international human rights responsibilities.
SAUDI ARABIA’S RESPONSE TO THE ALLEGATIONS
FIFA and the Saudi Arabian Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development have been contacted for comment on the allegations, but have yet to provide a clear response to these concerns, leaving the future of the 2034 World Cup uncertain.
By hosting the 2034 football World Cup, Saudi Arabia would continue its expansion in the sporting arena with sponsors such as Aramco, which supports Formula 1, MotoGP, as well as various football, tennis and golf events, as well as the Dakar Rally itself. These sponsorships seek to position the country as a global benchmark, despite criticism of its human rights record.
RAFA NADAL’S THOUGHTS ON SAUDI ARABIA
Rafa Nadal, ambassador of the Saudi Arabian tennis federation, made the following reflection this week in the Spanish newspaper ‘As’ about all these kinds of events that happen in that country: “Do we let them continue badly, let there continue to be inequality, let it continue to be a closed country or do we help them? Here they are still behind in time compared to the West. Changes cannot happen one hundred percent from today to tomorrow, because society is not ready for a radical change. No society has ever been in history, that change has to happen progressively. I believe that all these things that are happening in the country mean that this change, instead of happening in 50 years or 60 years, will happen in a much shorter period of time. And I believe that this, in some way, despite all the criticism, is worthwhile and I accept the criticism, I respect it”.
