An alliance of human rights organizations and fan representatives is clearly criticizing the awarding of the World Cup. “Fifa’s reckless decision to award the 2034 World Cup to Saudi Arabia without guaranteeing human rights protection will endanger many lives,” said the organizations Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, the International Trade Union Confederation ITUC, the Alliance Sport, among others and Rights Alliance and the fan association Football Supporters Europe (FSE) in a joint statement.
The awarding of the World Cup Saudi Arabia was “fire-hazardous,” the statement said. Migrant workers are exploited in Saudi Arabia and are subjected to racism. Activists are at risk of being sentenced to decades in prison for peaceful expressions of opinion. Women and members of the LGBTI+ community are being discriminated against and residents are being evicted to make way for government construction projects, it said.
NGOs also criticize national football associations
“Fifa cannot claim ignorance of the extent of the risks associated with hosting its most important event in a country with such weak human rights protections,” they said NGOs with. “The national football associations that voted for it cannot say this either.”
According to the statement, the organizations want to continue to advocate for the rights of migrant workers, residents, players, fans and journalists who are directly and indirectly affected by the World Cup in Saudi Arabia. “The Saudi people undoubtedly deserve to experience the joy that international sport can bring, but this cannot be done at any cost,” the organizations said.
The award took place without any opposing candidates
The extraordinary Fifa Congress had previously decided on the 2030 and 2034 World Cup awards. The tournament in 2030 will be held for the first time in six nations on three continents. Spain and Portugal will host the tournament together with Morocco – games will also take place in Uruguay, Paraguay and Argentina due to the 100th anniversary of the World Cup.
Despite widespread criticism, the 2034 World Cup will be held in Saudi Arabia. The votes for the two applications took place without competition.
