Two U.S. senators have urged FIFA not to select Saudi Arabia as the host for the 2034 World Cup due to the country’s human rights record. Democrats Ron Wyden of Oregon and Dick Durbin of Illinois sent a letter to FIFA President Gianni Infantino asking for a host nation with a clear commitment to human rights.

Since October 2023, Saudi Arabia has been the only candidate to host the tournament after FIFA opened an accelerated nomination process. This decision has raised concerns about the fairness of the process and its implications for human rights, similar to those raised before the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

HUMAN RIGHTS AND ABUSES IN SAUDI ARABIA

In their letter, Wyden and Durbin expressed concern over the human rights conditions in Saudi Arabia, citing torture of dissenters, extrajudicial killings, discrimination against the LGBTQ+ community, oppression of women and religious minorities, and abuse of foreign workers. The senators emphasized that approving Saudi Arabia’s bid would jeopardize not only workers and athletes but also tourists and journalists, going against FIFA’s own human rights policies.

Despite reforms driven by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman under the Vision 2030 program, which has allowed some progress in women’s inclusion and modernization, concerns about fundamental rights violations persist. Saudi Arabia’s treatment of its citizens and foreign workers remains a critical issue on the international stage.

LACK OF STANDARDS AND PRESS FREEDOM

Additionally, the senators highlighted that the Saudi government has not presented a clear plan to guarantee labor rights, press freedoms, and inclusion in the context of the World Cup. Despite FIFA’s efforts to assess human rights risks in its bid, a report from the law firm Clifford Chance was criticized by various NGOs due to its lack of independence and its limited focus on international criticisms.

The senators urged FIFA to carefully reconsider Saudi Arabia’s bid before the final decision in December and to choose a host country that respects human rights and provides a safe and fair environment for everyone involved in the event.