Two U.S. senators have urged FIFA to reject Saudi Arabia’s bid to host the 2034 World Cup over serious human rights concerns. They argue that the approval of this bid could endanger various groups and contradict FIFA’s human rights policies. As FIFA prepares for a vote, these concerns highlight the need for a comprehensive reassessment of the host country’s commitment to human rights.

Two United States senators have formally requested that FIFA reconsider its impending decision to select Saudi Arabia as the host for the 2034 World Cup, citing significant human rights concerns. Senators Ron Wyden (Oregon) and Dick Durbin (Illinois) conveyed their plea in a letter addressed to FIFA president Gianni Infantino. They emphasized the importance of choosing a host nation with a proven commitment to upholding human rights amidst criticisms of Saudi Arabia’s record in this regard. The senators pointed out that approving Saudi Arabia’s bid could jeopardize the safety of workers, athletes, tourists, and journalists, contradicting FIFA’s public stance on human rights.

Additionally, the current nomination process appears heavily biased in favor of Saudi Arabia’s bid, as it has stood as the only candidate since FIFA expedited nominations in October 2022. The swift process raises concerns surrounding labor rights violations, reminiscent of the scrutiny faced during the lead-up to the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. Advocating for change, Wyden and Durbin argued that the host selection should mirror a commitment to rights-respecting standards, highlighting the ongoing human rights abuses in Saudi Arabia including torture, extrajudicial killings, and discrimination against marginalized groups.

As FIFA prepares to ratify the Saudi bid on December 11, with endorsements expected from over 200 member federations, the senators insist that comprehensive assessments regarding labor protections and civil liberties be thoroughly evaluated. They pointedly criticized a report assessing Saudi Arabia’s human rights risks as lacking independence, prompting a call for FIFA to take decisive steps to reassess the suitability of the Saudi bid before finalizing the selection process.

In light of the upcoming decision by FIFA regarding the host nation for the 2034 World Cup, the proposal to select Saudi Arabia has raised significant alarm among various stakeholders, especially concerning human rights issues. Since FIFA’s announcement in 2022 to expedite the bid application process, Saudi Arabia has emerged as the sole contender, leading to scrutiny over its human rights history. Concerns have been expressed not only by Democratic senators, but also by international organizations regarding labor rights and civil liberties in Saudi Arabia, which have been heavily criticized for a range of abuses. The connection between FIFA and the Saudi government has in recent years become more pronounced, raising ethical questions surrounding the selection process and its implications for the global sporting community.

In conclusion, the call by U.S. Senators Ron Wyden and Dick Durbin to reconsider the selection of Saudi Arabia as the host for the 2034 World Cup underscores critical human rights concerns associated with the nation’s treatment of dissidents, workers, and marginalized groups. As FIFA prepares for a vote, the senators’ emphasis on selecting a host country that respects human rights reflects broader international expectations for ethical standards in global sporting events. With significant implications for workers and athletes alike, it remains crucial for FIFA to ensure thorough evaluation of bids in line with universal human rights principles before making a final decision.

Original Source: apnews.com

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