World Cup in Saudi: A group of top international lawyers has formally accused FIFA of failing to follow its own human rights rules by awarding the 2034 World Cup to Saudi Arabia. The complaint, filed through Fifa’s official grievance portal, urges the governing body to take immediate action to address serious human rights concerns.
Complaint Targets FIFA’s Human Rights Failures
The 30-page submission outlines five critical issues that must be addressed before the World Cup in Saudi takes place: freedom of expression, arbitrary arrests, judicial independence, migrant workers’ rights, and women’s rights.
The group includes notable names like Mark Pieth, FIFA’s former anti-corruption adviser, and British barrister Rodney Dixon. Their main argument is that the bidding process for the World Cup in Saudi did not meet basic international human rights standards.
A Failure to Act
“FIFA’s decision to approve Saudi Arabia as the next host country now places FIFA, in accordance with its own policy, under an obligation to ensure that internationally recognized human rights are upheld,” the complaint states.
However, the lawyers argue that there is no evidence that FIFA has taken steps toward fulfilling that obligation.
A Call for Real Reform Before the World Cup in Saudi
Rodney Dixon had previously warned FIFA about the potential risks of awarding the tournament to the Gulf nation. The complaint emphasizes that merely hosting the World Cup in Saudi will not push the country toward reform. Instead, it calls for FIFA to actively collaborate with Saudi authorities to implement a clear and enforceable human rights action plan.
“FIFA must develop a concrete and transparent action plan in collaboration with the Saudi authorities, rather than relying on the host state to act unilaterally,” the complaint insists. “To date, no such steps have been initiated by FIFA.”
Sports washing Allegations Around the World Cup in Saudi
Saudi Arabia has been widely criticized for using high-profile sporting events to improve its international image, a strategy known as “sports washing.” Despite claims that hosting such events will encourage reform, critics argue that they often embolden regimes to maintain the status quo.
Gianni Infantino’s Stance on the World Cup in Saudi
FIFA president Gianni Infantino called the decision to award the tournament to Saudi Arabia a “positive step,” sparking even more criticism from rights advocates.
The legal team behind the complaint hopes their action will force FIFA to reconsider its current path and live up to its own commitments. As preparations for the 2034 World Cup in Saudi begin, the spotlight is now on FIFA to respond.
