FIFA

David McGillivray: Fifa must get human rights guarantee

Saudi Arabia, a country where homosexuality is illegal, a male guardianship culture predominates, and criticism of the governing regime can lead to immediate imprisonment, is now in pole position to host the 2034 FIFA Men’s World Cup. As the sole bidder left in the race, we should be concerned that another oil rich Gulf State with a suspect human rights record is being handed the rights to the lucrative FIFA World Cup brand vehicle for the next 10 years. Historically, events like the World Cup were viewed as being apolitical, spreading positive values associated with fair play, peace, and harmony. However, in recent decades, these events have become increasingly politicised, embroiled in controversy over corruption within the bidding process and lack of transparency within the operations of the organisations’ themselves. In 2015, FIFA even faced investigation by the FBI which led to then President, Sepp Blatter, eventually being removed from office and several other senior figures facing criminal charges. FIFA’s jewel in the crown, the FIFA World Cup has also been mired in controversy since 2010 after awarding the hosting rights at the same time to Russia and Qatar, two nations with anti-homosexuality laws and the repressive treatment of those speaking out against the governing regime.