Amnesty International have condemned FIFA’s decision to hold the 2034 World Cup in Saudi Arabia, due to what they view as inadequate human rights protections in the country. Steve Cockburn, the organisation’s head of labour rights and sports, labelled the decision “reckless”, and suggested FIFA “risks bearing a heavy responsibility for many of the human rights abuses that will follow.”
The 2022 Qatar competition was shrouded in controversy, after reports of mistreatment of migrant workers came out, with the nation building numerous new stadia to facilitate the tournament. Presenter Gary Lineker famously spoke out against the hosts, claiming he was in the country to “report, not support” the tournament, citing human rights violations and the nation’s stance on same-sex relationships, and many fear the Saudi hosts could face similar criticism.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino stood by the decision, ironically preaching a message of tolerance and equality. He said: “We are not all equal, we know that, but we are learning to live with our differences and to respect each other.” Respecting each other is not a phrase that is commonly associated with Saudi Arabia, and it will be interesting to see how he approaches the issue of same-sex relationships leading up to the tournament, a difference which is certainly not tolerated in the Gulf state.
The English FA has spoken in support of the Saudi bid and said it has held discussions with relevant authorities to guarantee protection of LGBTQ+ supporters, however the mere principle of handing the biggest sports show in the world to a state with such strict laws forbidding homosexuality could be enough to keep many fans away. The FA’s statement said: “hosting world cups can be a catalyst for positive change, which is best delivered by working collaboratively with host nations.” After ex-Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson’s notorious attempt at instigating change in the region last year, it is fair to say that it is an optimistic stance from the FA, to suggest there could be a change in such an entrenched system of persecution against LGBTQ+ people in Saudi Arabia.
Criticisms will be plentiful and relentless between now and the winter tournament in 10 years’ time. Whether any positive change comes is yet to be seen, but until then it is the responsibility of the media to keep reporting on human rights violations and mistreatment from the Saudi state, and bringing eyes to the human cost of hosting the world’s greatest tournament in a country so rich yet so dangerous for so many.