A group of leading legal figures say FIFA has ignored its 2034 report on human rights. The governing body is “dealing with the devil” in planning to host the World Cup in Saudi Arabia, it warns.
A decision on the Saudi bid to host the World Cup is expected to be made in December, although it appears to be a foregone conclusion as there are no other bidders. The lawyers – Professors Mark Peith, Stephen Wehrenberg and Rodney Dixon Casey – submitted a report to FIFA in May pointing out areas where the Saudi government is violating the world football's governing body's human rights principles.
Dixon, representing the widow of Saudi dissident Jamal Khashoggi, Hanan Elatr, said Fifa had failed to respond to the report. “We call on FIFA, which has a proud history of taking a stand in favor of human rights, to do it right now, it is not enough to not respond to our statement,” he said. “There should be a consultation. The situation must change if Saudi Arabia is to be considered for the World Cup. We cannot have vague recommendations or straw man scenarios.
Beath previously chaired FIFA's independent governing body, which was introduced after revelations of widespread corruption in the organization after the successful Russian and Qatari bids to host the World Cup. In 2020 the board delivered administrative changes that helped President Gianni Infantino declare “the new FIFA … a credible, accountable, modern, professional and transparent organization”.
Beath told FIFA that going to Saudi Arabia was a “big risk”. “My understanding is that Saudi Arabia is a bit nervous [about public criticism] And they are dangerous,” he said. “That's my opinion. I don't hesitate to say it publicly. People are really dealing with the devil here. So there is a big risk,” he said.
The report's authors say they are taking a “platform” approach to engagement with FIFA and have not ruled out legal action if FIFA fails to respond. Article 7 of the governing body's human rights policy states that “FIFA will engage constructively with relevant authorities and other stakeholders and make every effort to uphold its international human rights obligations”.
“We are not alone in calling for an honest, proper review,” Dixon said. “FIFA has teeth. In the past it has taken dramatic measures and imposed sanctions on countries including Russia and Indonesia. They have had a great impact on changing sentiments. It's another watershed moment, we say.
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The report focuses on four areas. First, Saudi Arabia must “immediately release all political prisoners held arbitrarily” and treat all prisoners in accordance with human rights standards. Second, “the judiciary in Saudi Arabia should be independently appointed by a body not connected to the executive” and allowed to carry out its work without outside influence. Third, employment laws should be changed to allow migrant workers to leave their jobs or the country without applying for a government permit. Finally, Saudi Arabia should improve women's rights by “criminalizing marital rape, ensuring adequate protection from domestic violence, and allowing women to be legal guardians of children's interests”.
A FIFA spokesman said it was implementing “full bidding processes” for the 2030 and 2034 World Cups. “All relevant reports, including independent human rights environmental assessments and human rights strategies for all, are available to bidders for the 2030 and 2034 editions on our website. The bid evaluation reports for the 2030 and 2034 FIFA World Cups will be released ahead of the Extraordinary FIFA Congress on 11 December 2024.
