GENEVA — On Monday, two U.S. senators conveyed their concerns to FIFA regarding the potential selection of Saudi Arabia as the host for the 2034 World Cup, a decision widely anticipated despite the Kingdom’s troubling human rights record.
Democratic Senators Ron Wyden from Oregon and Dick Durbin from Illinois reached out to FIFA’s president, Gianni Infantino, urging him to prioritize a nation that upholds human rights in hosting the prestigious tournament.
Since FIFA initiated a fast-track nomination process in October last year, Saudi Arabia has emerged as the sole contender for the 2034 World Cup.
Critics assert that this streamlined process appears to be tailored to facilitate Saudi Arabia’s bid, despite the necessity of constructing around 15 new stadiums and the associated labor rights concerns that echo the controversies experienced in Qatar in the lead-up to the 2022 World Cup.
An anticipated online meeting on December 11 is likely to witness over 200 FIFA member federations overwhelmingly endorsing the Saudi bid, as well as the proposal for the 2030 World Cup, which involves a collaborative effort among Spain, Portugal, and Morocco, with Argentina, Paraguay, and Uruguay hosting select matches.
In a letter shared with the media, Wyden and Durbin expressed their apprehensions, stating, “Endorsing Saudi Arabia’s bid this December jeopardizes the safety of workers, athletes, tourists, and journalists, and contradicts FIFA’s own human rights commitments.”
The letter referenced ongoing human rights violations in Saudi Arabia, citing issues such as the torture of dissenters, extrajudicial killings, discrimination against the LGBTQ+ community, suppression of women’s rights and minority religions, exploitation of foreign labor, and severe restrictions on political freedoms and civil liberties.
Such allegations have been raised in forums like the January session of the United Nations Human Rights Council, where Saudi officials highlighted various reforms aimed at improving conditions for women and promoting socio-economic modernization under the Vision 2030 initiative led by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
Infantino has developed a close relationship with the Crown Prince over several years. Notably, FIFA’s recent sponsorship agreement with Saudi Aramco, a state-owned oil company, reflects a strengthening financial partnership ahead of the 2026 tournament, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
FIFA’s guidelines for World Cup candidates emphasize the importance of assessing potential human rights risks. However, a report published in July by the law firm Clifford Chance has faced criticism from various NGOs and advocacy groups for its perceived lack of independence.
This assessment indicated that Saudi Arabia would collaborate with the UN-backed International Labor Organization but did not incorporate input from global human rights experts who face restrictions when trying to enter the Kingdom.
The senators expressed further concern, stating, “The Saudis have not adequately explained their plans for maintaining labor rights, press freedom, or standards for non-discrimination and inclusion.”
They concluded their letter with a strong appeal for FIFA to thoroughly reconsider Saudi Arabia’s inadequate bid and consider an alternative host country that respects human rights.