New Delhi: Calls for FIFA to rethink awarding the 2034 World Cup to Saudi Arabia have grown louder after a detailed report by Human Rights Watch (HRW) highlighted alleged abuses of migrant workers in the kingdom. The report, based on interviews with over 150 workers and families, reveals issues like illegal recruitment fees, forced labour, wage theft, and unsafe working conditions.
The findings raise serious questions about how Saudi Arabia treats its 13.4 million migrant workers, who make up about 40% of its population.
The HRW report, titled Die First, And I’ll Pay You Later, claims that Saudi authorities consistently fail to protect workers from exploitation. The organisation warned that hosting the World Cup in Saudi Arabia without strict safeguards would likely result in widespread human rights violations.
FIFA’s decision on the 2034 host will be announced at an online meeting next Wednesday, with Saudi Arabia the only candidate.
Concerns over mega-projects and labour practices
Saudi Arabia to host 2034 FIFA World Cup. (Image via @NoufAlAhmadi7 ‘X’)
Saudi Arabia’s ambitious plans for the World Cup include building eight new stadiums and upgrading four others, alongside constructing hotels, transport links, and Neom—a futuristic city with a unique elevated stadium. However, HRW criticised such mega-projects as unrealistic ventures driven by the country’s Vision 2030 programme. These projects heavily rely on migrant workers, with most coming from countries like Bangladesh, India, and Pakistan.
The report noted a worrying rise in deaths among Bangladeshi workers in Saudi Arabia, with 887 deaths reported between January and July this year. Many were attributed to “natural causes,” though labour groups suspect underlying links to poor working conditions and extreme heat. The lack of proper labour protections further fuels concerns about worker safety and rights.
FIFA itself acknowledged that Saudi Arabia must invest significant effort to meet international rights standards. Critics fear that, without stronger scrutiny, FIFA risks repeating mistakes from Qatar 2022, where abuses were highlighted despite reforms to its labour system.
Calls for accountability and action
FIFA logo (Photo by Harold Cunningham/Getty Images)
HRW urged FIFA to delay announcing Saudi Arabia as host until it implements tangible reforms to protect workers, women’s rights, and press freedom. They also called for FIFA to engage with independent human rights groups and affected communities over the next decade.
Governments of migrant workers’ home countries were asked to strengthen support for their citizens in Saudi Arabia and push for fair wages and rights. Meanwhile, World Cup sponsors were encouraged to create a compensation fund for workers affected by abuses.
FIFA has faced repeated criticism for prioritising financial benefits over human rights. Whether they take meaningful steps this time remains to be seen.
Calls grow to delay FIFA’s 2034 World Cup decision as Saudi labour rights violations are explained in a detailed report. Football Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
