Australia's professional soccer players union has condemned the awarding of the 2034 World Cup to Saudi Arabia, saying significant human rights risks are attached to the tournament while questioning FIFA's ability to prevent harm from occurring...

"The significant human rights risks linked to this tournament are well-documented," Busch said in a statement emailed to Reuters on Thursday.

"By securing hosting rights to the global game's most prestigious event, Saudi Arabia and FIFA must ensure the rights of everyone affected by the 2034 Men's World Cup are upheld and safeguarded.

"However, FIFA's ongoing governance failures and lack of accountability to its own human rights commitments leave no assurance that harm can or will be prevented."...

Saudi Arabia denies accusations of human rights abuses and says it protects its national security through its laws.

FIFA's decision has drawn criticism from an array of organisations including migrant workers groups, trade unions and LGBT activists concerned about the kingdom's human rights record...

Australia's players were critical of 2022 World Cup hosts Qatar, with the men's team releasing a video calling out the Gulf state's record on human rights and same-sex relationships.

Football Australia backed the players' stance on Qatar and later objected to Saudi Arabian sponsorship of the 2023 Women's World Cup following reports the kingdom's government tourism agency would be a major sponsor of the tournament.

However, FA joined the majority of international football associations in showing support for the kingdom's 2034 bid...

"Saudi Arabia has demonstrated a strong commitment to hosting a world-class tournament and we remain confident in FIFA's frameworks and the FIFA World Cup's capacity for positive change," FA said in a statement to Reuters.

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