Saudi Arabia has been confirmed as the only contender to host the 2034 Men's Football World Cup. This development has sparked concerns about FIFA's capacity to uphold its human rights commitments. The possibility of a second World Cup in the Gulf within 12 years is now almost certain, following Australia's decision not to bid.
The lack of a competitive tender and the speed at which the process has been conducted have raised alarm bells among human rights groups. Amnesty International has urged FIFA to withdraw the event if human rights commitments are not met.
Unopposed World Cup bid leads to more human rights worries
The absence of a competitive process, according to the Sports and Rights Alliance, a coalition of human rights organizations, has left FIFA with less leverage to enforce necessary changes.
Steve Cockburn, Head of Economic and Social Justice at Amnesty International, said.
“Human rights commitments must be agreed with potential hosts before final decisions on holding the tournaments are made. FIFA must now make clear how it expects hosts to comply with its human rights policies. It must also be prepared to halt the bidding process if serious human rights risks are not credibly addressed."
“The best chance for FIFA to obtain binding guarantees to protect workers’ rights, ensure freedom of expression and prevent discrimination linked to the World Cup is during the host selection process – not after the hosts have been confirmed and tournament preparation has begun.”
Under the terms of its bidding process for the 2030 and 2034 Men's World Cups, FIFA expects any host to comply with the United Nations' Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights.
FIFA under a microscope when it comes to ensuring human rights are respected
This would necessitate the implementation of human rights and labor standards by the bidding member associations, the government(s), and other entities involved in the organization of the Competitions. These entities include those responsible for the construction and renovation of stadiums, training sites, hotels, and airports.
Any country hoping to host a World Cup must, as a first step, identify potential human rights risks that could prevent them from meeting the UN guidelines as part of its bid. Saudi Arabia has until July 2024 to submit its full bid. FIFA is expected to publish its assessments at the end of next year before a confirming vote is held at its Congress.
The confirmation of Saudi Arabia as the sole bidder for the 2034 Men's Football World Cup has raised significant concerns about FIFA's ability to enforce its human rights commitments. As the process unfolds, the world will be watching closely to see how FIFA and Saudi Arabia address these concerns.
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