Overview

• FIFA is urged to include independent human rights scrutiny in the 2034 World Cup hosting contract with Saudi Arabia, the sole bidder.
• Experts highlight Saudi Arabia's record on freedom of speech, labor laws, and women's rights, calling for ongoing reviews and potential termination clauses.
• Saudi Arabia's plans involve significant construction projects, raising concerns about potential labor abuses among the 13 million migrant workers.
• The call for scrutiny follows Saudi Arabia's failure to secure a seat on the UN Human Rights Council and criticism of its human rights record under Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
• FIFA has not publicly addressed the human rights report submitted by legal experts, despite previous commitments to uphold human rights standards in World Cup bids.