Amnesty International has raised concerns regarding human rights violations in connection with the 2030 and 2034 World Cup tournaments. The human rights organization is urging FIFA and the countries bidding to host these events to make binding commitments and legal reforms to address the risks involved. Amnesty emphasized the need for a transparent bidding process that includes independent human rights risk assessments and comprehensive human rights strategies. They also called for meaningful stakeholder participation to ensure that human rights violations related to labor rights, discrimination, housing, freedom of expression, policing, and privacy are prevented.
Challenges in Spain, Portugal, Morocco, and Saudi Arabia
Amnesty International highlighted specific concerns in the countries bidding to host the World Cup tournaments. In Spain and Portugal, the organization noted that accident rates at construction sites exceed EU levels, raising questions about the safety of workers involved in the preparations for the event. Discrimination in stadiums in Spain was also mentioned, with reference to the racism experienced by Real Madrid forward Vinicius Jr. Meanwhile, Morocco and Portugal were called upon to increase the number of labor inspectors to meet International Labor Organization (ILO) standards.
As for Saudi Arabia, Amnesty pointed out that hosting the 2034 World Cup in the country presents significant human rights challenges. The lack of access for researchers makes it difficult to assess the conditions faced by migrant workers, raising concerns about potential abuses. A complaint filed by a global group of trade unions with a UN-backed labor organization accused Saudi Arabia of exploiting migrant workers, leading to severe human rights violations and wage theft affecting thousands of workers.
Call for FIFA’s Accountability
Amnesty International argued that FIFA should not award the rights to host the World Cup until the necessary commitments to prevent, mitigate, and remedy human rights violations are in place. The organization stressed the importance of holding FIFA and the bidding countries accountable for upholding human rights standards throughout the planning and execution of the tournaments. By demanding transparency, accountability, and meaningful action to address human rights risks, Amnesty aims to ensure that the World Cup events do not come at the expense of human dignity and basic rights.
Amnesty International’s call for binding commitments and legal reforms from FIFA and the bidding countries reflects a growing awareness of the human rights impact of major sporting events. By highlighting specific concerns and urging proactive measures to address risks, the organization seeks to promote a culture of respect for human rights in the world of sports. It remains to be seen how FIFA and the host countries will respond to these calls for accountability and transparency as they prepare for the upcoming World Cup tournaments.
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