Human rights watchdog asks how FIFA can "seriously consider" Saudi Arabia as World Cup host
A human rights watchdog group is accusing Saudi Arabia of systematically violating the dignity of migrant workers, saying the kingdom is failing to meet the stated human rights requirements of soccer's world governing body, despite being presumptive hosts of the 2034 FIFA World Cup.
In a report released Tuesday, the human rights organization Equidem reveals what it alleges are significant human rights and labor violations to migrant workers in the sectors of hospitality, maintenance and construction. After a wealth of migrant worker abuse was revealed in the lead up to the 2022 Qatar World Cup, the group warns that FIFA could be on the verge of choosing yet another host that does not protect the rights of migrants.
Saudi Arabia was the only country to submit a bid in time for the 2034 World Cup.
Other organizations, including Amnesty International and Building Wood Workers International, have similarly warned of potential human rights abuses should Saudi Arabia win the bid.
Migrant workers make up 37.3% of Saudi Arabia’s population — the third largest per capita migrant population in the world — but the country offers very little protections for them…
FIFA did not immediately respond to Salon's request for comment…