Amnesty International has called on FIFA to suspend the bidding process for the 2034 World Cup, citing significant human rights concerns in Saudi Arabia. The organization insists that Saudi Arabia must implement major reforms before being considered a host. This demand is part of a wider call for a credible human rights strategy for the 2030 World Cup, which will be hosted by Morocco, Spain, and Portugal. Amnesty International’s statement underscores the ongoing human rights issues such as the disregard for freedom of expression and the rights of the LGBTQ+ community in Saudi Arabia. It also highlights inadequate responses to international obligations, including the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR).
The treatment of migrant workers is a particularly contentious topic. Steve Cockburn, Head of Labour Rights and Sport at Amnesty, emphasized that Saudi Arabia will rely heavily on migrant labor to achieve its World Cup objectives. However, the ongoing issues such as the exploitative Kafala sponsorship system, the absence of a minimum wage for non-citizens, and restrictions on joining trade unions remain unaddressed. Amnesty’s report also addresses potential human rights risks for the upcoming 2030 World Cup in Morocco, Spain, and Portugal, urging these countries to reassess their commitments.
Other human rights organizations, including Human Rights Watch, have expressed similar concerns. In October 2024, 11 organizations issued a joint communication detailing flaws in the human rights assessment of Saudi Arabia’s bid. As FIFA is poised to submit its evaluations in the coming months, the international community awaits its response to these pressing issues.
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