Fifa faces criticism over Saudi Arabia's 2034 World Cup bid
- A group of legal experts submitted a report to Fifa in May, highlighting human rights violations in Saudi Arabia's bid to host the 2034 World Cup.
- The report identifies four key areas of concern, including the independence of the judiciary, employment laws for migrant workers, and women's rights.
- Fifa has not responded to the report, raising concerns about its commitment to human rights as it prepares to make a decision on the Saudi bid in December.
In May 2024, a group of prominent legal figures submitted a report to Fifa, addressing significant human rights issues associated with Saudi Arabia's bid to host the 2034 World Cup. The report, authored by experts including Prof Mark Pieth, highlights four critical areas where Saudi Arabia is allegedly breaching Fifa's human rights policies. These areas include the need for an independent judiciary, reforms in employment laws for migrant workers, and improvements in women's rights, particularly regarding domestic violence and legal guardianship of children. The decision on Saudi Arabia's bid is expected in December 2024, but the lack of response from Fifa has raised alarms among human rights advocates. The authors of the report have expressed their disappointment, emphasizing that Fifa's silence contradicts its historical stance on human rights. They argue that without proper consultation and engagement, the integrity of the World Cup could be compromised. Prof Pieth, a former chair of Fifa's independent governance committee, warned that proceeding with the tournament in Saudi Arabia poses significant risks. He noted that the Saudi government is sensitive to public criticism, which could lead to dangerous repercussions. The legal experts are considering a staged approach to engage with Fifa further and have not ruled out potential legal action if their concerns continue to be ignored. They believe this moment could be pivotal for Fifa to demonstrate its commitment to human rights on a global stage.