Fifa Urged to Safeguard Human Rights in World Cup Hosting Bids
Amnesty International has called on Fifa to ensure that bids to host the 2030 and 2034 men’s World Cups protect human rights. In a new report, the campaign group warns that Fifa should terminate any agreement to host the tournament if human rights are compromised or violated. Amnesty specifically raises concerns about the human rights records of Saudi Arabia, the sole bidder for the 2034 tournament, and Spain, Portugal, and Morocco, who will jointly host the 2030 event. The report highlights risks related to labor rights, discrimination, freedom of expression and assembly, policing, privacy, and housing. It also notes the potential greenhouse gas emissions generated by travel for the expanded 48-team tournament across three continents. Amnesty claims that Fifa has not responded to its requests to speak to consultants involved in human rights-based assessments of the bids.
Amnesty’s Head of Labour Rights and Sports, Steve Cockburn, states that with only one bid for each tournament and major human rights concerns surrounding both, there are serious questions about Fifa’s commitment to its pledges and reforms. He highlights that the World Cup can either be a source of dignity or exploitation, inclusion or discrimination, freedom or repression. Therefore, the decision on the hosting rights for the 2030 and 2034 tournaments is among the most consequential decisions ever taken by a sporting organization.
Amnesty’s report assesses the human rights risks associated with each bid. It highlights concerns about migrant worker exploitation in Spain, Morocco, and Portugal, as well as excessive use of police forces and racial discrimination in all three countries. Morocco’s previous bid to host the 2026 World Cup was criticized for criminalizing same-sex acts and restricting freedom of expression. On the other hand, Saudi Arabia’s bid for the 2034 tournament is seen as an attempt to distract from its human rights abuses. The building program required for the tournament is said to heighten risks of forced evictions and labor abuses. Discrimination, unfair prosecution of women fans, and the imprisonment of journalists and human rights defenders are also cited as concerns in Saudi Arabia.
Amnesty argues that to prevent human rights violations related to the World Cup, Saudi Arabia would need to make sweeping changes to labor laws to protect workers and release unjustly imprisoned activists and defenders. The country’s Sports Minister has rejected claims of ‘sportswashing’ and defended Saudi Arabia’s right to host the tournament. He stated that the country has successfully hosted numerous global events and wants to attract the world through sports. He also claimed that hosting the World Cup would help modernize the country and create a better future for everyone.
Fifa has stated that it is fully committed to upholding human rights and sustainability standards when staging tournaments. The organization will conduct a targeted dialogue with bidders to ensure that bids meet minimum hosting requirements and focus on key areas such as infrastructure, services, commercial aspects, sustainability, and human rights. However, Amnesty’s report raises questions about Fifa’s willingness to reject bids that do not meet its stated human rights requirements.
The decision on the hosts for the 2030 and 2034 World Cups is expected to be formally confirmed later this year at a meeting of Fifa’s congress. This decision carries significant weight as it will determine whether the tournaments will be held in countries with strong human rights records or those with concerning human rights issues. The outcome will have a lasting impact on the reputation of Fifa as an organization that is committed to upholding human rights and ensuring the well-being of all those involved in hosting and participating in its events.