Australia’s Professional Footballers Union (PFA) has strongly criticized FIFA for awarding the 2034 World Cup to Saudi Arabia, highlighting concerns over the nation’s human rights record and FIFA’s governance failures. The decision, finalized with Saudi Arabia as the sole bidder, has faced backlash from advocacy groups and human rights organizations.
PFA CEO Beau Busch urged FIFA to address the documented human rights risks linked to Saudi Arabia, emphasizing the need for accountability in ensuring protections for individuals affected by the tournament. He criticized FIFA’s lack of adherence to its own human rights commitments, expressing doubt over its ability to prevent harm during the event.
Read more: Footballers Unions Challenge FIFA Over Club World Cup
The decision has sparked broader criticism, with groups like migrant workers’ organizations and LGBTQ+ advocates raising longstanding concerns about Saudi Arabia’s legal framework. While Saudi officials deny rights abuse allegations, FIFA’s expedited process for awarding the bid has drawn scrutiny, with Football Australia initially considering a joint bid but ultimately withdrawing.
This controversial move follows a series of contentious FIFA decisions, reigniting debates over balancing football’s global growth with ethical considerations regarding governance and human rights.
