The International Trade Union Confederation’s African branch (ITUC-Africa), representing 18 million workers across the continent, has voiced serious concerns regarding the protection of migrant workers in the lead-up to the 2034 FIFA World Cup, set to be hosted by Saudi Arabia. The organization called on FIFA to implement stronger safeguards for these vulnerable workers, who are expected to form the backbone of the massive construction projects required for the tournament. ITUC-Africa’s demands include the establishment of an independent monitoring body to assess and ensure adherence to international labor standards. However, FIFA has rejected these calls, citing existing commitments made by Saudi authorities in their bid documents. This dismissal has sparked controversy and raised questions about FIFA’s commitment to worker welfare in the face of Saudi Arabia’s questionable human rights record.
FIFA’s response, delivered in a letter from Secretary General Mattias Grafström, points to assurances provided by the Saudi government regarding worker welfare. Grafström highlighted the supposed creation of a ”welfare system for workers to monitor compliance with labor rights standards for work related to the tournament.” However, an examination of the official Saudi bid documents reveals no mention of such a system, casting doubt on the veracity of FIFA’s claims. Grafström further stated FIFA’s intention to ”engage constructively” with international labor organizations in preparation for the event, suggesting that the World Cup’s spotlight on Saudi Arabia presents an opportunity to promote positive change. Critics argue that this reliance on potential future improvements is insufficient, given the immediate risks faced by migrant workers in the country.
The scale of the construction projects planned for the 2034 World Cup is staggering, involving the construction of eleven new stadiums, extensive transportation networks, and an almost doubling of hotel capacity to 185,000 rooms. This ambitious undertaking will necessitate a massive workforce, and with an estimated 10 million migrant workers already residing in Saudi Arabia, they are expected to bear the brunt of this labor-intensive undertaking. Concerns remain about their vulnerability to exploitation and abuse, given the country’s history of human rights violations and its restrictive kafala system, which ties migrant workers to their employers and limits their freedom of movement.
ITUC-Africa’s concerns reflect broader anxieties about Saudi Arabia’s human rights record and its suitability to host a global event of this magnitude. The country’s restrictive laws and practices regarding freedom of speech, assembly, and association, as well as its treatment of women and LGBTQ+ individuals, have drawn international criticism. The absence of an independent monitoring mechanism to oversee labor conditions further fuels these anxieties, leaving migrant workers exposed to potential exploitation. The lack of transparency surrounding the supposed ”worker welfare system” referenced by FIFA underscores the need for greater scrutiny and accountability.
FIFA’s decision to award the 2034 World Cup to Saudi Arabia, the sole bidder, raises further questions about the organization’s decision-making process. The lack of competing bids allowed Saudi Arabia to secure the hosting rights without facing significant scrutiny or competition on its human rights record. This raises concerns about the potential for future World Cups to be awarded to countries with questionable human rights practices, potentially jeopardizing the well-being of vulnerable populations, including migrant workers. The awarding of the 2022 World Cup to Qatar, marred by reports of worker abuse and human rights violations, serves as a stark reminder of the potential risks involved.
The 2034 World Cup presents both an opportunity and a challenge. The international attention focused on Saudi Arabia could potentially catalyze positive change in the country’s labor practices and human rights record. However, realizing this potential requires proactive measures, including independent oversight and genuine commitment from both FIFA and the Saudi government. The current situation, marked by a lack of transparency and a dismissal of legitimate concerns raised by labor organizations, does not inspire confidence. The international community must hold both FIFA and Saudi Arabia accountable to ensure the protection of migrant workers and the upholding of fundamental human rights in the lead-up to and during the 2034 World Cup. Failure to do so would not only betray the values of sport but also perpetuate a system of exploitation and abuse.
