FIFA Urged to Allow Independent Scrutiny of Saudi Arabia's Human Rights Obligations

Strategic Insights -

A group of law and human rights experts, along with Saudi activists abroad, has urged FIFA to mandate ongoing reviews and a potential termination clause into the 2034 World Cup hosting contract with Saudi Arabia. The advisers, who met in Zurich on Friday, want FIFA president Gianni Infantino to learn from the lessons of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, where similar concerns over human rights were ignored. The group cited Saudi Arabia's record on freedom of speech and assembly, and laws on labor and male guardianship that limit women's freedoms.

Key Takeaways:

  • FIFA is evaluating World Cup bidders, with reports expected in early December, and will assess the human rights strategy of the sole candidate for the 2034 World Cup, Saudi Arabia.
  • Saudi Arabia's record on human rights has been criticized, including its laws on labor and male guardianship that limit women's freedoms.
  • The group of advisers has offered to create an independent process for monitoring progress in Saudi Arabia, which has been ignored by FIFA.
  • Human Rights Watch has documented "grave labor violations" against migrant workers in Saudi Arabia, with over 13 million migrant workers making up about 40% of the kingdom's population.
  • Saudi soccer officials have consistently said the kingdom is making progress on social reforms, but critics argue that the human rights situation in Saudi Arabia has worsened under Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's leadership.
  • The 2034 World Cup hosting contract will be signed after the Dec. 11 decision by over 200 FIFA member federations, with Saudi Arabia being the only candidate for the 2034 edition.

Statistics:

  • Over 13 million migrant workers make up about 40% of Saudi Arabia's population.
  • Saudi Arabia was ranked No. 131 of 146 nations on gender issues by the World Economic Forum.
  • Critical laws that prejudice women, including male guardianship and labor laws, were not addressed by the Saudi bid.
  • FIFA has not held a news conference to take questions on World Cup bids since the 2034 edition was fast-tracked toward Saudi Arabia one year ago.
  • Over 200 FIFA member federations will vote on the 2034 World Cup hosting contract on Dec. 11.

Sources:

  • The Associated Press
  • World Economic Forum
  • Middle East Democracy Center
  • Human Rights Watch