Amnesty International condemned FIFA’s decision to award the 2034 World Cup to Saudi Arabia, issuing a joint statement with 21 organizations. Steve Cockburn, Amnesty International’s head of labor rights and sport, criticized the decision, saying, FIFA’s reckless decision to award the 2034 World Cup to Saudi Arabia without ensuring adequate human rights protections are in place will put many lives at risk. He added, Based on clear evidence to date, FIFA knows workers will be exploited and even die without fundamental reforms in Saudi Arabia and yet has chosen to press ahead regardless. The organization risks bearing a heavy responsibility for many of the human rights abuses that will follow.
The English Football Association, along with the Scottish and Welsh FAs, supported the bids. England’s FA stated, After a careful review of both proposals, we supported the two World Cup bids—from Spain/Portugal/Morocco in 2030, and Saudi Arabia in 2034. Both bids are technically strong and meet FIFA criteria to host the men’s World Cup. Our focus is on ensuring that all our fans can attend and enjoy tournaments.
The Football Supporters Association (FSA) expressed serious concerns about the bidding process and the potential experience for fans, particularly in Saudi Arabia. The FSA stated Human rights criticisms have been brushed aside and concerns from LGBT+ supporters completely ignored, adding that these issues were raised with the FA.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino addressed the criticism, defending the decisions and highlighting FIFA’s commitment to fostering change. We are aware of critics and fears, and I fully trust our hosts to address all open points, he said. Infantino emphasized the potential for hosting the World Cup to drive progress, stating, We have a transparency that will shape real and lasting change. That is what we expect and what we look forward to—social improvements and positive human rights impacts. The world will, of course, be watching.
The 2034 World Cup in Saudi Arabia has sparked intense debate over human rights and the appropriateness of awarding the tournament to the country. While FIFA and its member associations stress the technical strengths of the bids and opportunities for improvement, critics argue that fundamental issues have been overlooked, putting lives and freedoms at risk.
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