FIFA was challenged by international lawyers on Wednesday, saying the organization should enforce its regulations and investigate human rights in Saudi Arabia before awarding it the men’s soccer World Cup. 2034.
A 22-page document, written by Swiss lawyers Mark Pieth and Stefan Wehrenberg as well as their British colleague Rodney Dixon, was submitted to FIFA headquarters in Zurich. They offered their services to FIFA to develop an action plan and supervision of Saudi Arabia by independent experts.
Their documents call on FIFA to use its power now to force Saudi Arabia to adhere to international human rights principles. The organization that oversees soccer on the planet adopted a policy on this subject in 2017, and all host countries of major international competitions must respect it.
“It is obvious that Saudi Arabia is very far from meeting these requirements,” the document reads. As a result, at present, FIFA simply cannot allow it to host the 2034 World Cup.”
These include Saudi Arabia’s track record of respecting freedom of expression, its treatment of prisoners and migrant workers, and the patriarchal values of Saudi society that limit women’s rights and freedoms.
Saudi Arabia repeats that it is modernizing rapidly, respecting its “Vision 2030” program, in order to develop its economy and its society. The organization of major sporting events and shows is an essential element of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s program to free the country from its dependence on fossil fuels.
Saudi Arabia is the only country bidding to host the 2034 World Cup, after FIFA unexpectedly launched an accelerated bidding program last October.
By deciding to award the 2030 World Cup to six countries, on three different continents, FIFA allowed Saudi Arabia to find itself alone in the ranks for the organization of the following tournament.
Saudi Arabia’s bid must officially be submitted by July, and winning the tournament is expected to be confirmed on December 11 after an online vote by FIFA’s 211 member federations.