Original Source: www.telegraph.co.uk
In a surprising move, FIFA announced its approval of Saudi Arabia’s human rights record, paving the way for the kingdom to host the 2034 World Cup. This endorsement was quietly released late Saturday by FIFA officials, providing Saudi Arabia a commendable rating of 4.2 out of 5 as a World Cup host. The report, authored by FIFA Secretary General Mattias Grafstrom, assures improvements in human rights during the tournament, including regulations on migrant workers and press freedoms.
FIFA’s eagerness for Saudi Arabia’s selection as the host is tied to its financial ties and future plans, including an expanded Club World Cup. The swift decision-making process leading up to the FIFA Congress in Zurich on December 11 suggests a hurried affirmation of Saudi’s candidacy, especially given that Australia, the only strong competitor, withdrew due to the tight schedule.
Interestingly, FIFA’s assessment sidestepped a thorough review of Saudi Arabia’s historical human rights issues, focusing instead on their commitments made for the tournament. However, the absence of any mention of LGBT rights indicates a glaring omission, reflecting the kingdom’s restrictive policies despite broad assurances of rights.
Promising robust systems for migrant worker welfare and prohibitions against torture, FIFA noted substantial efforts from Saudi Arabia in addressing human rights risks. They anticipate that the tournament could catalyze positive reforms, aligning with Saudi’s Vision 2030 initiative under Crown Prince Mohammed Bin-Salman.
FIFA’s human rights risk assessment for Saudi’s bid was rated as medium, mirroring scores for their infrastructure and accommodations, while the broadcasting center received 4.7 out of 5, showcasing Saudi’s commitment to a successful tournament. Alongside this, FIFA evaluated bids for the 2030 World Cup, with Morocco, Portugal, and Spain sharing equal scores, while South American bids lagged behind.
The topic centers on FIFA’s recent approval of Saudi Arabia’s human rights standards as part of their bid to host the 2034 World Cup. The approval comes amidst global scrutiny of Saudi Arabia’s past record on human rights, particularly regarding treatment of migrant workers and political dissent. FIFA’s motivations combine the need for financial backing from Saudi Arabia and the expansion of global football competitions, illustrating the complex dynamics within international sports governance and human rights advocacy. The report showcased the kingdom’s commitments while cleverly avoiding discussing controversial issues around LGBT rights, highlighting ongoing tensions between sport and ethics in a geopolitically charged environment.
FIFA’s unprecedented approval of Saudi Arabia’s human rights record positions the kingdom favorably to host the 2034 World Cup. This decision reflects a balancing act between financial needs and ethical dilemmas surrounding human rights. With promises of reforms tied to this global event, FIFA and Saudi Arabia aim to facilitate change, though unanswered questions remain about the depth of those commitments. As the December congress looms, attention shifts toward how successful these declarations will translate into tangible improvements in human rights and labor protections within the kingdom.
