In a groundbreaking yet contentious move, FIFA has confirmed that the 2034 World Cup will be hosted in Saudi Arabia, a decision announced earlier this week that has already sparked a wave of criticism from human rights advocates...

However, the award of this prestigious tournament to a nation facing heavy criticism for its human rights record, including the high-profile assassination of journalist Jamal Khashoggi in 2018 and the ongoing persecution of dissenters, has raised alarm bells among observers. There are worries that migrant workers, crucial to the construction of the necessary infrastructure, may suffer similar fates to those exploited in Qatar during the last World Cup.

A coalition of 21 human rights organizations, including Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International, expressed their concerns in a joint statement, labelling this choice a "moment of great danger" for residents, migrant laborers, and international attendees alike. They noted, "FIFA cannot claim ignorance of the high-stakes risks involved in holding its marquee event in a nation with such a poor human rights record." The groups continue to warn that, without decisive reforms, the 2034 World Cup could become synonymous with systemic repression and exploitation...

Critics point to the plethora of issues surrounding the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, where human rights abuses and environmental concerns were pivotal throughout the buildup. Thousands of migrant workers were employed to forge the infrastructure for the event, with many reportedly suffering injuries, non-payment of wages, and in some cases, fatalities, although disputed figures shadow the reported deaths.

A subsequent report commissioned by FIFA acknowledged that major human rights abuses occurred, potentially implicating FIFA itself in these violations. As Saudi Arabia prepares to rely similarly on migrant labor to fulfill construction projects by 2034, concerns persist. Abdullah Alaoudh, a senior director at the Middle East Democracy Center, remarked, "There is nothing to indicate that Saudi Arabia will fare any better."

...