The controversial decision to award the 2034 World Cup to Saudi Arabia has sparked anger, with Amnesty International insisting “many lives” will be put at risk.
The Saudis were the sole bidders for the 48-team tournament, which will be staged across five cities in 15 stadiums.
In a surreal environment in Zurich, the decision was confirmed by acclamation at a ‘virtual’ Fifa congress of its 211 members as approving nations were shown clapping on a giant video screen.
Reacting to what it described as a “reckless” decision, Amnesty International’s head of labour rights and sport Steve Cockburn said: “The decision to award the 2034 World Cup to Saudi Arabia without ensuring adequate human rights protections are in place will put many lives at risk.
“Based on clear evidence to date, FIFA knows workers will be exploited and even die without fundamental reforms in Saudi Arabia, and yet has chosen to press ahead regardless.
“The organisation risks bearing a heavy responsibility for many of the human rights abuses that will follow.”
FIFA president Gianni Infantino said: “We are not all equal, we know that, but we are learning to live with our differences and to respect each other.
“We are of course aware of critics and fears. I fully trust our hosts to address all open points and I fully expect them to deliver tournaments that meet the world’s expectations.
“This is what we expect and look forward to: social improvements, positive human rights impacts. The world will be watching and it is positive that the unique spotlight of the World Cup is on what can and should be improved so that this can be addressed effectively and we can have real and lasting change.”
While the Scottish FA has yet to respond to the decision, the English FA gave its backing, saying: “Football is a global game and is for everyone. Our commitment to diversity and inclusion means being respectful of all, including all religions and cultures.
“We also believe that hosting World Cups can be a catalyst for positive change, which is best delivered by working collaboratively in partnership with host nations.”
It was also announced that the 2030 World Cup will be staged in Morocco, Spain and Portugal, with the opening matches played in South America – the first game in Uruguay, which hosted the 1930 finals, and the next two being hosted by Argentina and Paraguay.
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