Several human rights organizations, including Amnesty International, have expressed concerns over the integrity of the human rights assessment conducted for Saudi Arabia’s FIFA 2034 World Cup bid. These organizations argue that the evaluation, carried out by the Saudi law firm AS&H Clifford Chance, is fundamentally flawed and omits crucial discussions of Saudi Arabia’s human rights record. The assessment, published in July 2024, forms a critical component of FIFA’s approval process to determine the host country for the event.
The examination, according to a joint communication from 11 human rights groups, is said to selectively omit and downplay vital issues. Notably, Saudi Arabia is not a signatory to key international human rights accords, including the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. Additional concerns raised involve fears that the assessment lacks input from credible external stakeholders, thus potentially leading to a more favorable view that does not accurately reflect the situation on the ground.
Julia Legner from ALQST for Human Rights characterized the assessment as offering a misleadingly positive portrayal that acts as a form of whitewashing of ongoing human rights abuses within the kingdom. These claims are further underscored by Saudi Arabia’s recent failure to secure a seat on the UN Human Rights Council, attributed to its contentious human rights record.
Amnesty International has also cautioned about the implications of hosting such a prominent global event in Saudi Arabia, reflecting on concerns that, without substantial reforms, the tournament could lead to further suppression of dissent, discrimination against women and LGBTQ individuals, and exploitation of migrant labor. Steven Cockburn of Amnesty International emphasized these potential risks, advocating for significant changes before the event can be deemed appropriate to proceed in the kingdom.
As the world awaits a response from FIFA regarding these allegations, the criticism highlights the ongoing dialogue between international organizations and Saudi Arabia around human rights compliance, especially in light of global events drawing international attention.