Fifa is once again criticized for ignoring human rights risks in Saudi Arabia’s World Cup bid, with the BWI emphasizing the plight of exploited migrant workers. They claim Fifa has not responded to concerns about labor abuses and has failed to ensure adequate assessments before awarding the tournament. The urgency for Fifa to engage with these issues becomes apparent as the December decision approaches, spotlighting a potential moral failure in the sports arena.
Fifa faces renewed accusations regarding its engagement with human rights concerns as Saudi Arabia’s bid to host the 2034 World Cup moves closer to confirmation. The Building and Wood Workers’ International (BWI) highlights ignored attempts to address the exploitation of migrant workers in the Gulf state. Despite previous collaborations with Fifa, BWI claims its warnings about labor abuses remain unaddressed as the organization prepares to award the tournament to Saudi Arabia. The BWI earlier filed a complaint with the International Labour Organisation, citing widespread abuses against migrant workers. One striking example is the plight of thousands of Filipino workers, some waiting years for overdue wages. BWI’s repeated calls for Fifa to engage in meaningful dialogue have gone unheard, raising concerns about the integrity of the World Cup bidding process. Ambet Yuson, BWI’s general secretary and former Fifa human rights advisory board member, emphasizes the troubling nature of awarding the World Cup to Saudi Arabia without thorough scrutiny. He warns that neglecting to address these human rights issues will tarnish sports on a global platform. Yuson passionately states, “Rewarding Saudi Arabia with the 2034 Fifa World Cup without any robust assessment and any mechanisms in place to prevent further abuses… is to endorse exploitation and injustice on a global stage.” He calls on Fifa to urgently act, ensuring justice for the thousands of marginalized workers. BWI’s statement follows a legal group’s concerns over Fifa’s lack of engagement about human rights violations in Saudi Arabia. Highlighting how influential individuals view this approach as a detrimental deal with an oppressive regime, the group underscores the critical need for accountability as Fifa assesses the Gulf state’s suitability as a host. BWI’s complaint underscores serious abuses affecting 21,000 migrant workers, poverty-stricken and struggling under oppressive labor conditions. Workers from multiple nations like the Philippines and Nepal report grim experiences, such as those from the now-defunct Saudi Oger company who often went for years without pay. The slow Saudi government response to these complaints represents another layer of injustice against the vulnerable workforce. As Fifa prepares to finalize the bid in December, they are assessing various reports, including a vital risk assessment that encompasses sustainability and human rights adherence. With international and local unions operating under threat, BWI insists that Fifa duly considers voices revealing the harsh realities prevalent in the country.
The ongoing dialogue surrounding Fifa’s World Cup hosting decisions emphasizes the intersection of sports governance and human rights advocacy. Saudi Arabia’s recent advancements and efforts to secure high-profile international events have raised alarms among labor rights organizations. The BWI’s engagement with Fifa showcases the struggles of migrant workers often caught in exploitative conditions and the lack of effective channels for addressing such grievances. The consequences of these dynamics signal broader implications for global sporting events and the perceived moral responsibility of governing bodies like Fifa.
As Fifa inches closer to confirming Saudi Arabia as the host for the 2034 World Cup, the silence surrounding grave human rights concerns cannot be overlooked. With mounting pressure from labor organizations like BWI, it’s vital for Fifa to uphold its commitments to human rights and ensure that hosting an event of such magnitude does not come at the expense of exploited workers’ dignity. The stakes are high, not only for Fifa’s reputation but for the integrity of global sports.
Original Source: www.theguardian.com
