Original Source: www.amnesty.org
In a scathing response to FIFA’s evaluation of Saudi Arabia’s World Cup bid, Steve Cockburn, Amnesty International’s Head of Labour Rights and Sport, criticized it as a blatant whitewash of the nation’s dismal human rights history. He pointed out that FIFA’s report lacks any substantial measures to prevent the exploitation of workers, forced evictions of residents, or the arrest of activists. Without urgent reforms in Saudi Arabia, the 2034 World Cup risks becoming stained by injustice and repression.
Cockburn further emphasized the hypocrisy of FIFA, which has long concealed an independent report outlining their responsibility towards migrant workers affected by the 2022 Qatar World Cup. He asserted that the report, delayed for years, confirmed the organization’s obligation to provide compensation. Meanwhile, FIFA has simultaneously celebrated a Legacy Fund devoid of any actual remedy for affected workers, indicating a troubling pattern of neglect towards those harmed.
While FIFA awarded Saudi Arabia a ‘medium’ risk rating for human rights in their bid process, this assessment flies in the face of evidence from Amnesty International revealing severe risks inadequately addressed. Major rights organizations, including Amnesty, criticized FIFA’s flawed evaluation and lack of genuine accountability. As FIFA prepares for a simultaneous legacy launch, questions loom over its commitment to worker welfare, echoing concerns that a repeat of past exploitation is imminent unless real changes occur.
FIFA granted Saudi Arabia a ‘medium’ risk classification in evaluating its bid for the 2034 World Cup, despite significant evidence of human rights violations raised by Amnesty International and other stakeholders. Reports indicated that FIFA’s own bidding requirements were not met regarding human rights strategies, leading to questions about the integrity of FIFA’s processes. Activists have long called for FIFA to address labor abuses related to the 2022 Qatar World Cup, culminating in a delayed independent report released by FIFA confirming its obligations to provide remedies to affected workers.
FIFA faces mounting criticism for its handling of human rights issues connected to both the 2034 World Cup bid and the exploitation surrounding the 2022 Qatar event. Amnesty International’s concerns illuminate the stark contrasts between FIFA’s evaluations and the harsh realities in Saudi Arabia. Without immediate action to ensure worker compensation and enforce meaningful reforms, history is likely to repeat itself, leaving vulnerable populations paying the price for FIFA’s negligence.
