Australia’s professional soccer players union has condemned the awarding of the 2034 World Cup to Saudi Arabia, saying significant human rights risks are attached to the tournament while questioning FIFA’s ability to prevent harm from occurring.
FIFA officially awarded the World Cup to the kingdom on Wednesday with the sole bid for the tournament confirmed by acclamation.
Professional Footballers Australia boss Beau Busch said it was crucial for the international soccer community to hold FIFA accountable for the decision.
“The significant human rights risks linked to this tournament are well-documented,” Busch said in a statement emailed to Reuters on Thursday.
“By securing hosting rights to the global game’s most prestigious event, Saudi Arabia and FIFA must ensure the rights of everyone affected by the 2034 Men’s World Cup are upheld and safeguarded.
“However, FIFA’s ongoing governance failures and lack of accountability to its own human rights commitments leave no assurance that harm can or will be prevented.”
The Saudi government communications office and FIFA did not immediately respond to requests for comment on Thursday.
Saudi Arabia denies accusations of human rights abuses and says it protects its national security through its laws.
FIFA’s decision has drawn criticism from an array of organisations including migrant workers groups, trade unions and LGBT activists concerned about the kingdom’s human rights record.
