US Senators Urge FIFA to Reconsider Saudi Arabia’s 2034 World Cup Bid

Lawmakers cite Saudi Arabia's human rights record and labor concerns, questioning FIFA's fast-track selection process.

Senators Ron Wyden and Dick Durbin called on FIFA to select a host country with a strong human rights record for the 2034 World Cup.
Saudi Arabia is the sole candidate after FIFA introduced an expedited nomination process in October 2023, raising concerns about fairness.
Critics highlight Saudi Arabia's history of labor exploitation, LGBTQ+ discrimination, and suppression of political freedoms as key issues.
FIFA's human rights risk assessment for Saudi Arabia, conducted by law firm Clifford Chance, has been criticized for lacking independence.
More than 200 FIFA member federations are expected to endorse Saudi Arabia's bid during an online meeting on December 11.