Two US senators, Ron Wyden and Dick Durbin, have urged FIFA to reconsider Saudi Arabia’s candidacy for the 2034 World Cup due to the Kingdom’s poor human rights record. As the sole candidate since a fast-track nomination process commenced, concerns regarding potential labor abuses and civil rights violations have prompted well-founded apprehensions. The senators emphasize the need for FIFA to uphold human rights principles when selecting a host nation.
On Monday, two prominent United States senators, Ron Wyden and Dick Durbin, formally urged FIFA to reconsider its anticipated decision to appoint Saudi Arabia as the sole host for the 2034 World Cup. In a letter addressed to FIFA President Gianni Infantino, the senators highlighted serious concerns about Saudi Arabia’s human rights record, emphasizing the need for a host nation that prioritizes the protection of civil liberties and human rights. This advocacy comes against the backdrop of Saudi Arabia becoming the only candidate since FIFA initiated a fast-track nomination process in October 2022, raising alarms over potential labor abuses as the nation prepares to construct multiple stadiums for the event.
FIFA is set to review the Saudi bid during an online meeting on December 11, where over 200 member federations are expected to endorse the proposal. The senators argued that greenlighting the Saudi bid would further endangered vulnerable groups, including workers, athletes, and journalists, and contradicted FIFA’s own human rights principles. They noted, “Approving Saudi Arabia’s bid this December endangers workers, athletes, tourists, and members of the press, and it runs counter to FIFA’s own human rights policies.” The letter detailed ongoing reports of severe human rights violations in Saudi Arabia, including torture, extrajudicial killings, discrimination, and repression of dissent.
Despite Saudi Arabia’s assurances of reforms under the Vision 2030 initiative advocated by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, critics remain skeptical of the government’s commitment to genuine change. FIFA’s existing guidelines necessitate a human rights assessment for World Cup bids. However, an analysis by the law firm Clifford Chance has faced criticism from NGOs for its lack of independence and rigor in evaluating Saudi Arabia’s commitments to labor and human rights standards. The senators concluded their letter by urging FIFA to re-evaluate the Saudi bid critically and select a host nation that respects human rights, reflecting the broader global commitment to ethical governance in international events.
The controversy surrounding FIFA’s decision-making process for the 2034 World Cup host stems from historical human rights abuses reported in Saudi Arabia. Throughout its recent history, the kingdom has faced scrutiny from numerous international organizations and advocacy groups regarding its treatment of dissidents, LGBTQ+ individuals, women, and foreign laborers. The urgency is compounded by FIFA’s own framework, which ostensibly promotes human rights as a fundamental criterion in assessing prospective host countries. This backdrop lends context to the senators’ plea against what they perceive as a troubling endorsement of a nation with a notable history of rights violations.
In conclusion, the call by Senators Wyden and Durbin to FIFA serves as a crucial reminder of the intertwined nature of sports and human rights. Their advocacy raises vital questions about the responsibilities of international organizations in promoting ethical standards and safeguarding human rights in the face of significant sporting events. As the date for FIFA’s decision approaches, the implications of endorsing Saudi Arabia’s bid resonate beyond the realm of soccer, echoing broader issues of accountability and ethical governance on the global stage.
Original Source: apnews.com
