Two US senators urge FIFA not to select Saudi Arabia for the 2034 World Cup due to serious human rights concerns. They emphasize that the Kingdom’s troubling record on human rights poses risks to workers, athletes, and journalists. FIFA’s ties with the Saudi government and recent sponsorship deals raise further scrutiny about the integrity of the host selection process.
Two prominent United States senators, Ron Wyden of Oregon and Dick Durbin of Illinois, have formally urged FIFA to reconsider its impending decision regarding Saudi Arabia as the host nation for the 2034 World Cup. In their letter addressed to FIFA President Gianni Infantino, the senators emphasized the importance of selecting a host country that actively upholds human rights, citing Saudi Arabia’s troubling human rights record. This initiative comes as Saudi Arabia has been the sole candidate since FIFA introduced a fast-track nomination process in October 2022.
The senators expressed profound concern over the implications of endorsing Saudi Arabia’s bid, highlighting potential dangers to workers, athletes, journalists, and tourists. They noted that approving Saudi Arabia’s bid would contradict FIFA’s declared commitment to human rights. Among the serious accusations outlined in their letter include allegations of torture, extrajudicial killings, discrimination against minority groups, and persistent oppression of freedoms for women and religious minorities.
During a previous session at the Human Rights Council, these issues were brought to light by various United Nations representatives. While Saudi officials pointed to advancements made under the Nation’s Vision 2030 program, the senators maintain that the risks associated with the bid have not been adequately addressed. Notably, FIFA has recently fostered closer ties with the Saudi government, as evidenced by a sponsorship deal with Saudi state oil corporation Aramco, raising further questions about its commitment to human rights.
Furthermore, although FIFA’s criteria for World Cup candidates stipulate a human rights assessment, the related analysis from law firm Clifford Chance faced criticism for its perceived lack of independence. Senators Wyden and Durbin have urged FIFA to reassess Saudi Arabia’s application thoroughly and consider alternative host nations that respect and uphold human rights standards.
As the FIFA selection process for the 2034 World Cup approaches, the stakes have risen regarding the human rights implications of hosting the event in Saudi Arabia. Critics of the Saudi bid emphasize the kingdom’s continued violations of human rights, including the treatment of women, political dissidents, and foreign workers. The United States senators’ intervention reflects growing international concern over these issues and the integrity of FIFA’s commitment to positive social standards. The discussions also highlight the relationship fostering between FIFA and Saudi officials, raising further scrutiny of the selection process. Host selection issues have historically involved complex considerations of ethics, governance, and sportsmanship, necessitating a delicate balance in decision-making.
In conclusion, the appeal from Senators Wyden and Durbin to FIFA underscores significant apprehension regarding the human rights record of Saudi Arabia as it vies to host the 2034 World Cup. They have firmly articulated that endorsing such a bid would undermine FIFA’s commitment to human rights and potentially endanger various individuals involved in or attending the event. It remains to be seen whether FIFA will heed these concerns and reassess the suitability of Saudi Arabia as a host nation.
Original Source: apnews.com
