As Saudi Arabia’s bid for the 2034 World Cup nears its final stages, FIFA finds itself under the spotlight once again. The Building and Wood Workers’ International (BWI) has raised serious allegations regarding the treatment of migrant workers in the kingdom. With only Saudi Arabia in the running, the decision could have significant implications for the future of the tournament and global sports governance.
Trade Union Raises Alarms Over Migrant Worker Abuse
FIFA is being criticized for allegedly ignoring vital concerns about human rights in Saudi Arabia. The BWI claims an “epidemic of abuses” against migrant workers involved in the country’s infrastructure projects.
- Thousands of Filipino workers await financial remedies after wage theft
- Migrant workers from Nepal, Pakistan, India, and Bangladesh report similar issues
- Only a fraction of affected workers have received compensation
Ambet Yuson, BWI’s general secretary, emphasizes that FIFA’s lack of dialogue on these abuses undermines the integrity of the World Cup.
Why Is FIFA Facing Criticism Again?
The governing body is expected to announce Saudi Arabia as the host in December, but not without controversy. FIFA’s handling of human rights issues has been called into question by various stakeholders.
| Concern | Details |
|---|---|
| Wage Theft | Thousands of workers denied wages for years |
| Lack of Dialogue | BWI’s attempts to discuss abuses ignored |
| Governance | Dissolution of FIFA’s human rights advisory board in 2020 |
Critics argue that awarding the World Cup to Saudi Arabia without addressing these issues could tarnish FIFA’s reputation.
Calls for Immediate Action Intensify
The BWI isn’t the only organization voicing concerns. A group of leading lawyers has also criticized FIFA’s response to legal submissions about human rights in Saudi Arabia.
“We must act now before any decision is finalized,” Yuson stated, highlighting the urgent need for FIFA to uphold its human rights responsibilities.
FIFA and the Saudi Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development have yet to comment on these serious allegations.
