Two U.S. senators have called on the global soccer body FIFA to reconsider Saudi Arabia's unchallenged bid to host the 2034 World Cup.
What Did the Senators Say?
In a direct letter to FIFA President Gianni Infantino, Democratic Senators Ron Wyden of Oregon and Dick Durbin of Illinois expressed their opposition to Saudi Arabia hosting the 2034 World Cup, citing the country's record on human rights.
The senators' plea comes ahead of a December 11 meeting where FIFA is expected to officially endorse Saudi Arabia as the 2034 host. The decision follows FIFA's expedited nomination process launched last year, a move many see as tailor-made for the Saudi bid.
Concerns in Saudi Arabia
Meanwhile, concerns are also growing inside Saudi Arabia as the nation still needs to build most of the 15 required stadiums, which could pose risks similar to labor rights issues seen in Qatar before the 2022 World Cup.
In addition, while the kingdom has embraced modernization efforts under its Vision 2030 initiative, critics argue these reforms do little to address systemic issues such as repression of dissidents, discrimination against LGBTQ+ individuals and labor exploitation.
"Approving Saudi Arabia's bid this December endangers workers, athletes, tourists, and members of the press, and it runs counter to FIFA's own human rights policies," Wyden and Durbin wrote in a letter seen by The Associated Press.
"The kingdom continues to torture dissidents, engage in extrajudicial killings, discriminate against the LGBTQ+ community, oppress women and religious minorities, exploit and abuse foreign workers, and restrict almost all political rights and civil liberties," the letter added.
Their concerns echo critiques from non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and the United Nations, which scrutinized Saudi Arabia's track record earlier this year.
FIFA's Relationship With Saudi Arabia
FIFA's relationship with Saudi Arabia has raised eyebrows, particularly after a recent sponsorship deal with state oil giant Aramco. Critics contend this financial alignment undermines FIFA's credibility on human rights.
Despite FIFA's requirement for human rights risk assessments, an independent analysis by law firm Clifford Chance published in July was criticized by NGOs and activists for lacking independence.
That report committed Saudi Arabia to working with the UN-backed International Labor Organization but not global rights experts who have limited access to enter the country to work.
Due to such reports, Wyden and Durbin are calling for a reassessment.
"More concerningly, the Saudis have failed to address how they will uphold labor protections, press freedoms, non-discrimination and inclusion standards. We strongly urge FIFA to take all steps necessary to thoroughly re-evaluate Saudi Arabia's ill-equipped World Cup bid ahead of December and select a rights-respecting host country," the senators wrote.
This article includes reporting from The Associated Press.
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