Two U.S. Senators Urge FIFA Not to Choose Saudi Arabia for 2034 World Cup
Two U.S. senators have written to FIFA, asking the organization not to select Saudi Arabia as the host for the 2034 World Cup. Senators Ron Wyden and Dick Durbin expressed concerns about Saudi Arabia’s human rights record. They highlighted the need for FIFA to choose a country that upholds human rights.
Since FIFA opened a fast-track nomination process in October of last year, Saudi Arabia has been the only candidate. The senators argued that approving Saudi Arabia’s bid would jeopardize the safety of workers, athletes, tourists, and journalists, which contradicts FIFA’s own human rights policies.
The senators cited various human rights violations in Saudi Arabia, including torture of dissidents, extrajudicial killings, discrimination against LGBTQ+ individuals, and oppression of women and religious minorities. These issues were raised at a United Nations Human Rights Council meeting in January.
During this meeting, Saudi officials pointed to reforms benefiting women and broader social changes under the Vision 2030 program led by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. FIFA president Gianni Infantino has developed close ties with Saudi leadership, including a sponsorship deal with Saudi oil company Aramco.
FIFA’s bidding rules require an evaluation of human rights risks for World Cup candidates. However, an analysis by Clifford Chance was criticized for its lack of independence and for ignoring global human rights experts who face limited access to Saudi Arabia.
The senators urged FIFA to reassess Saudi Arabia’s bid and select a different host country that respects human rights, emphasizing the need for proper labor protections and freedoms for press and inclusion.
