Amnesty International criticizes FIFA's positive evaluation, asserting that the event risks exacerbating existing human rights violations in the kingdom.
**FIFA's 2034 World Cup Bid for Saudi Arabia Spurs Controversy Over Human Rights and Environmental Concerns**
**FIFA's 2034 World Cup Bid for Saudi Arabia Spurs Controversy Over Human Rights and Environmental Concerns**
FIFA's report applauding Saudi Arabia's bid to host the 2034 World Cup ignites debate over human rights and sustainability issues.
With FIFA recently releasing its evaluation report for the unopposed bid by Saudi Arabia to host the men's 2034 World Cup, it has generated considerable controversy, particularly concerning human rights and environmental sustainability. The report awarded Saudi Arabia a high score of 4.2 out of 5, which FIFA claims reflects the bid's "good potential to act as a catalyst" for reforms within the kingdom, despite the country’s ongoing human rights issues.
FIFA's report indicates a "medium" human rights risk associated with hosting the tournament, mentioning that while there has been progress, significant work remains to ensure improvements regarding labor rights, gender equality, and freedom of expression. The assessment emphasizes that the evaluation does not exclude countries based on their human rights history but focuses on the effectiveness of the measures they propose to mitigate risks.
However, human rights organizations, including Amnesty International, have condemned this evaluation as a superficial "whitewash", effectively downplaying the kingdom's record on severe human rights violations, including the 2018 assassination of journalist Jamal Khashoggi and ongoing suppression of dissent. Amnesty has called for an immediate halt to the proceedings unless substantial reforms are announced, claiming that the World Cup could lead to increased exploitation and repression.
In terms of environmental considerations, FIFA's report acknowledged the potential negative impact of the tournament, particularly due to the construction of 15 stadiums across five cities and the extensive travel involved. It recognized the bid's commitment to sustainability, suggesting measures to mitigate the environmental footprint, but it also noted that significant construction would inherently affect the climate.
As Saudi Arabia invests heavily in expanding its global sporting presence, critics argue that such events are used as a facade to enhance its international image while glossing over fundamental human rights abuses. FIFA is preparing to finalize the decision on the host for both the 2034 and the 2030 World Cup in an upcoming congress on December 11.
Commenting on Saudi Arabia's bid, the sports minister, HRH Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al Faisal stated that the FIFA evaluation reflects the country’s commitment to transforming its sports scene and hosting a world-class tournament. Nevertheless, the approach has raised significant concerns and questions about the implications for human rights and sustainability in a country struggling under the weight of its international image.
FIFA's report indicates a "medium" human rights risk associated with hosting the tournament, mentioning that while there has been progress, significant work remains to ensure improvements regarding labor rights, gender equality, and freedom of expression. The assessment emphasizes that the evaluation does not exclude countries based on their human rights history but focuses on the effectiveness of the measures they propose to mitigate risks.
However, human rights organizations, including Amnesty International, have condemned this evaluation as a superficial "whitewash", effectively downplaying the kingdom's record on severe human rights violations, including the 2018 assassination of journalist Jamal Khashoggi and ongoing suppression of dissent. Amnesty has called for an immediate halt to the proceedings unless substantial reforms are announced, claiming that the World Cup could lead to increased exploitation and repression.
In terms of environmental considerations, FIFA's report acknowledged the potential negative impact of the tournament, particularly due to the construction of 15 stadiums across five cities and the extensive travel involved. It recognized the bid's commitment to sustainability, suggesting measures to mitigate the environmental footprint, but it also noted that significant construction would inherently affect the climate.
As Saudi Arabia invests heavily in expanding its global sporting presence, critics argue that such events are used as a facade to enhance its international image while glossing over fundamental human rights abuses. FIFA is preparing to finalize the decision on the host for both the 2034 and the 2030 World Cup in an upcoming congress on December 11.
Commenting on Saudi Arabia's bid, the sports minister, HRH Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al Faisal stated that the FIFA evaluation reflects the country’s commitment to transforming its sports scene and hosting a world-class tournament. Nevertheless, the approach has raised significant concerns and questions about the implications for human rights and sustainability in a country struggling under the weight of its international image.
