With the decision on the host country looming in December, it seems increasingly likely that Saudi Arabia will secure the hosting rights, as it is the sole bidder. However, this potential decision has prompted outrage from human rights advocates who accuse FIFA of “dealing with the devil.”
The legal team, consisting of Prof. Mark Pieth, Stefan Wehrenberg, and Rodney Dixon KC, submitted their report to FIFA in May 2024. The document highlights a range of issues where Saudi Arabia’s human rights record conflicts with the policies that FIFA claims to uphold. Dixon, who also represents Hatice Cengiz, the widow of murdered Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi, has been particularly vocal in urging FIFA to take a strong stance on human rights.
Dixon expressed disappointment with FIFA’s lack of response, stating: “We are calling on FIFA, with its proud history of taking a stance in favour of human rights, to do exactly that right now, and it is simply not good enough to not respond at all to our report.”
He emphasised that FIFA’s silence is unacceptable and that there should be clear consultations before Saudi Arabia is considered for the World Cup. He also warned that hosting the event in Saudi Arabia without addressing human rights concerns would be a significant setback for the global football community.
The World Cup is one of the most prestigious sporting events in the world, drawing immense international attention and showcasing the host country’s ability to organise a global spectacle. However, the decision to allow Saudi Arabia to bid has been mired in controversy.
Saudi Arabia’s human rights record is a source of significant concern for international observers, including its treatment of dissidents, its record on women’s rights, and the suppression of freedom of speech.
Saudi Arabia has been attempting to rebrand itself through large-scale sporting events, including hosting Formula 1 races, boxing matches, and high-profile golf tournaments. Yet, critics argue that these efforts are part of a broader “sportswashing” campaign, designed to distract from the kingdom’s domestic human rights abuses.
The murder of Khashoggi in 2018, which the CIA concluded was likely ordered by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, continues to cast a long shadow over the country’s international image.
The report submitted by the legal team outlines multiple instances where Saudi Arabia’s actions violate FIFA’s human rights policy. FIFA has previously committed to upholding human rights principles in its decision-making processes, particularly since the scandals surrounding its controversial decisions to award the 2018 and 2022 World Cups to Russia and Qatar, respectively.
Qatar’s own human rights issues, particularly related to migrant workers, had been a focal point of criticism in the lead-up to the 2022 World Cup.
The legal experts argue that FIFA has an ethical responsibility to ensure that any nation hosting the World Cup adheres to its policies, particularly on issues such as labor rights, freedom of expression, and gender equality. Rodney Dixon emphasised that the human rights recommendations cannot be vague or token gestures, calling for substantial change before Saudi Arabia can be seriously considered as a host.
“Things have to change if Saudi is going to be considered for the World Cup. We can’t have vague recommendations or straw man scenarios,” Dixon said.
This situation represents a pivotal moment for FIFA, as it must decide whether to live up to its proclaimed values or risk compromising them for the sake of geopolitical and financial interests. The global football governing body has often faced criticism for prioritizing profit and power over principle, and the upcoming decision on Saudi Arabia will likely serve as a litmus test for its commitment to human rights.
FIFA has made strides in recent years to rehabilitate its image, particularly after allegations of corruption in awarding World Cups. But the fact that it has not responded to the May report, coupled with the perception that Saudi Arabia’s selection as the 2034 host is a “foregone conclusion,” has fueled skepticism about FIFA’s integrity.
The question now is whether FIFA will seriously address the issues raised or whether it will allow Saudi Arabia to proceed without meaningful reform. This case also raises broader concerns about the intersection of politics, economics, and human rights in international sports. Football, with its enormous cultural impact, has the power to effect change, but only if its governing bodies choose to wield that power responsibly.
In the coming weeks, the football community will be watching closely as FIFA prepares to make its decision. If it chooses to overlook the human rights violations in Saudi Arabia, it risks further eroding public trust.
However, by confronting these issues head-on, FIFA has the opportunity to set a precedent, ensuring that human rights are not sidelined in the world’s most popular sport.
For now, the ball is in FIFA’s court, and the world is waiting for its response.
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