Saudi Arabia is using FIFA to cover human rights abuses, labor exploitation, and environmental destruction. Stand with us to oppose it.
Saudi Arabia executed 196 people in 2022, with a single-day mass execution of 81 men. Women face systemic discrimination under the male guardianship system.
Over 21,000 migrant workers have died since construction began on NEOM. Workers face wage theft, unsafe conditions, and forced labor under the kafala system.
Saudi-led airstrikes in Yemen have killed thousands of civilians, including 73% of the 402 children killed since March 2015.
Saudi Arabia ranks 170th out of 180 countries in press freedom, with a horrific track record of journalist persecution. The most notorious case is the brutal assassination of Jamal Khashoggi in 2018.
Torture is routinely used to extract confessions, which are then relied upon for convictions, including in mass trials.
Saudi Arabia's emissions could rise by up to 680% above 1990 levels by 2030 due to inadequate climate.
FIFA controversially lowered its stadium requirements to favor Saudi Arabia, despite risks of untested infrastructure and labor rights abuses.
Saudi Arabia uses mega-projects like NEOM and FIFA bids to deflect criticism of human rights abuses.
Non-competitive bidding - FIFA controversially confirmed the bid by acclamation rather than a vote, leaving dissenters unable to formally oppose it.
FIFA has been plagued by corruption scandals, most notably the 2015 case involving $150 million in bribes over two decades.
LGBTQ+ individuals face severe discrimination, with same-sex relationships criminalized under Sharia law.
Saudi Arabia silences dissent, imprisons activists, and censors free speech.
Amnesty International
FIFA’s reckless decision to award the 2034 World Cup to Saudi Arabia without ensuring adequate human rights protections will put many lives at risk. Workers will be exploited and even die without fundamental reforms
ALQST for Human Rights
It’s disheartening that FIFA awarded Mohammed bin Salman’s Saudi Arabia hosting rights based on a flawed bid, sidestepping engagement with stakeholders or the Saudi public
General Secretary of BWI
Awarding Saudi Arabia the 2034 World Cup amounts to a global endorsement of exploitation and injustice for construction workers who will build the infrastructure needed for the tournament
ITUC-Africa
By awarding Saudi Arabia the World Cup without addressing severe risks to workers and marginalized groups, FIFA has failed its human rights mandate and endangered lives
Migrant Workers Network
We fear for the lives of thousands of migrant workers who are at risk. FIFA must not turn a blind eye; accountability and justice are needed
