The selection of host for the FIFA World Cup is not just a matter of sporting logistics; it is also a big political decision. As Saudi Arabia emerges as a potential host for the 2034 FIFA World Cup, the global community is raising questions about whether the kingdom is ready to host this kind of prestigious international event, especially given its human rights record.
As FIFA considers Saudi Arabia’s bid, it must weigh these concerns carefully and not lose sight of the wider implications for the game and the global network. The World Cup is more than just a football match; it is by far an image of solidarity, scope, and recognition of human rights.
Saudi Arabia’s Human Rights Record
Saudi Arabia’s human rights document has long been a source of international trouble. The kingdom operates under a strict interpretation of Islamic regulation (Sharia), which affects its legal machinery and social norms. This criminal framework has resulted in numerous human rights issues, along with extreme regulations on freedom of speech, freedom of assembly, and women’s rights.
Freedom of Speech and Expression
One of the most fundamental concerns is the lack of freedom of speech in Saudi Arabia. The nation heavily censors the media, and criticism of the government, royalty, or non-secular authorities is severely punished. Activists, journalists, and dissidents often face intense consequences that include imprisonment, torture, or possible death.
Activists and dissidents frequently encounter arbitrary detention. For example, Salma al-Shehab received a 27-year prison sentence for tweets advocating women’s rights, illustrating the harsh consequences of voicing dissent.
Women’s Rights
While there have been several recent reforms in women’s rights in Saudi Arabia, such as allowing girls to drive and attend sporting events, these adjustments are often seen as superficial in the context of wider systemic oppression. Women still face full criminal and social restrictions. The guardianship gadget, which requires ladies to get permission from the male parent for many decisions, remains largely intact and limits their autonomy. In 2016, Saudi Arabia was ranked 141st out of 144 countries for gender parity, according to the World Economic Forum’s Global Gender Gap Report.
LGBTQ Rights
Saudi Arabia’s stance on LGBTQ rights is especially troubling. Homosexuality is illegal in the country and those responsible for it can face serious consequences such as imprisonment, fines, or even execution. This is of considerable concern to FIFA, which has made efforts in recent years to promote inclusion and diversity in sports, which includes the rights of LGBTQ people. A 2016 survey revealed that 35% of respondents strongly believed that LGBTQ identities should be criminalized, highlighting a substantial level of societal stigma against LGBTQ individuals.
Labor Rights and Treatment of Migrant Workers
Another major human rights issue in Saudi Arabia is the treatment of migrant workers, who make up a large proportion of the workforce. These employees, regularly from South Asia and Africa, are hired under the kafala (sponsorship) gadget that links their reputation for crime to their business.
This system has been widely criticized for enabling exploitation, as workers may face poor working conditions, low wages, and limited freedom to leave their jobs or employment. Between 2013 and 2018, around 2.7 million foreign nationals were deported, frequently due to irregularities in their visa status. This underscores persistent challenges in managing migrant labor and enforcing immigration policies.
Repression of Civil Society and Lack of Political Freedom
The political establishment of Saudi Arabia is characterized by an absolute monarchy, in which the king has considerable power and there is little room for political dissent. Civil society is heavily suppressed, with activists and reformists regularly facing imprisonment or worse.
FIFA must ensure that the World Cup takes place in an environment that values fundamental human rights and allows for the free participation of civil society. The political repression in Saudi Arabia stands in the strict evaluation of these ideas, making Dominion a controversial choice to host the event.
Sportswashing: Using Sports to Improve Image
Critics say Saudi Arabia’s bid to host the 2034 World Cup is an example of “sporting fabrication” – the practice of using major opportunities to distract or improve a country’s global image, regardless of ongoing human rights abuses. Saudi Arabia has already been wary of comparable efforts, which include web hosting of high-profile boxing suits and Formula 1 races.
While these events may also bring monetary boons and enhance the global standing of the United States of America, they do little to address fundamental human rights issues. Instead, it risks normalizing abuses and allowing authorities to maintain their practices without sufficient international scrutiny. FIFA must not forget whether or not it wants to participate in such an effort by awarding the World Cup to Saudi Arabia.
The Role of FIFA and the International Community
FIFA, as the governing framework of global football, is obligated to promote human rights, justice, and inclusiveness. While the corporation has made strides in addressing these issues in-game, its decision to select host countries should also reflect these thoughts. The global community, which includes players, fanatics, and human rights organizations, has a role in keeping FIFA accountable for its selection.
By deciding on Saudi Arabia to host the 2034 FIFA World Cup, FIFA risks undermining its commitment to human rights and sending the message that these issues are secondary to industrial and political preferences. The capacity backlash from this choice should have long-term implications for employer credibility and the World Cup’s global popularity.
Conclusion
The prospect of Saudi Arabia hosting the 2034 FIFA World Cup raises huge concerns about the kingdom’s suitability as a host country due to its negative human rights record. Issues surrounding freedom of expression, girls’ rights, LGBTQ rights, and migrant worker redress highlight the challenges of protecting a global event in a rustic setting where basic freedoms are severely curtailed.
