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The awarding of the 2034 World Cup to Saudi Arabia, the first in the kingdom’s history, brings with it its share of uncertainties and questions. Free raises at least three that arise and will arise more and more, in the world of football and beyond.
The fate of the migrant workers in question
Less than two years after criticism of the fate of migrant workers in Qatar, the same problem arises again with Saudi Arabia: the hiring of thousands of people from other countries, under a system of work through sponsorship , the “kafala”. ,which binds workers to their employers,facilitating exploitation and abuse. A documentary broadcast in early November by the British channel ITV indicates that at least 21,000 of these workers – mainly Nepalese, Bangladeshi and Indian – have died on construction sites and more than 100,000 have been missing since the start of the “Vision 2030” project. launched by Saudi Arabia in 2016.
According to government data obtained by Human Rights Watch, 884 Bangladeshis died between January and July 2024. “Many deaths of migrant workers in Saudi Arabia are unexplained, uninvestigated and uncompensated, leaving families of dead migrant workers without financial support”it is indeed written in the report. A few weeks before the elections, several NGOs also published a series of frightening reports. On 10 November Amnesty International suggested the Saudi candidacy “it must be excluded immediately to avoid abuses and deaths that seem unavoidable”.
Other concerns include discrimination that could affect some fans (such as LGBT people or women). As for the apparently autonomous human rights assessment of Saudi Arabia’s candidacy published by Riyadh-based law firm AS&H Clifford Chance, it “contains no substantive discussion of abuses in Saudi Arabia, documented by several human rights organizations and UN bodies”FairSquare, equidem, Football Supporters Europe and the Gulf Center for Human Rights denounce.
Ecological aberrations
The saudi candidacy promises to be respectful of climate issues. It’s tough to say when three-quarters of the stadiums (8 out of 11 built for the occasion) have yet to be built. The construction of fences is what pollutes the most during a sporting event,excluding fans’ travel.
Especially since these stadiums will be equipped with air conditioning, given the strong fears related to the heat, denounced by both environmental organizations and the players’ unions. Recently, a study published on Scientific reportsa review of the group Nature, underlined the risk of “extreme heat stress” which could affect players during the 2026 World Cup, where temperatures could sometimes reach 50°C.
World Cup in January?
These meteorological considerations will dictate a tailor-made program. For the moment no date has been set.Given the extreme summer temperatures on Saudi soil, there is a good chance that the competition will take place in winter, as was the case in Qatar. Though,we must also deal with religious imperatives. The October-December band that worked in 2022 corresponds, in 2034, to the dates of Ramadan. One possibility often put forward is to hold the World Cup between January and mid-February, just before the opening ceremony of the Winter Olympics in salt Lake city. A period that also has the merit of falling between Christmas and the Hajj, the pilgrimage to Mecca. But the ten days of planning of the players, in view of the competition, could affect the end-of-year celebrations, without forgetting some crucial dates for the economy of the national championships, such as “Boxing Day” in England – where Boxing Day is a celebration holidays and public holidays. Here too the debate promises to be heated.
How can international organizations ensure better treatment of migrant workers in light of global sporting events?
Interview Between Time.news Editor and Dr. Sarah Al-Mansur, Expert in Labor Rights and International Sports Events
Editor: Welcome, Dr. Al-Mansur. Thank you for joining us today to discuss the recently awarded 2034 World Cup to Saudi Arabia. This is a significant moment for the kingdom, but it comes with a host of concerns, notably regarding labor rights.Could you start by sharing yoru thoughts on the implications of this event for migrant workers in the region?
Dr. Al-Mansur: thank you for having me.The awarding of the World Cup is indeed a historic milestone for Saudi Arabia, but it raises serious questions about the welfare of migrant workers — a topic that gained significant attention during the Qatar world Cup. Saudi Arabia relies heavily on a sponsorship system known as “kafala,” which ties workers to their employers, leading to exploitation and abuse.Without proper oversight and reform, we could see a repeat of the troubling conditions reported in Qatar.
Editor: That’s a critical point. It’s alarming how similar situations can reoccur. Do you believe that the international attention on this matter will drive change in Saudi Arabia, or will the kingdom remain insulated from such scrutiny?
Dr. Al-Mansur: International scrutiny is crucial, especially with a high-profile event like the World Cup. However, it remains to be seen if that scrutiny will effectively translate into change within the kingdom. While there are voices advocating for reform, tangible action is often lacking. The pressure from global human rights organizations and media can promote some improvements, but systemic issues take time and commitment to resolve.
Editor: Considering the health and safety of both workers and players, what specific measures should FIFA and the Saudi government prioritize to ensure a safe habitat during the tournament preparations?
dr. Al-Mansur: First and foremost, there should be autonomous monitoring of labor conditions on construction sites. This includes ensuring that workers have access to adequate healthcare, safe working conditions, and are protected from exploitation through fair contracts. For the players, stringent health protocols, especially in light of ongoing global health concerns, are vital. FIFA can play a significant role by establishing clear guidelines that must be met before and during the tournament.
Editor: The conversation around environmental sustainability has also surfaced as a key issue. How do you anticipate the tournament might impact the local environment, and what can be done to mitigate any negative effects?
Dr. Al-Mansur: The impact of such a large-scale event on the environment can be profound, especially given the current ecological challenges facing the region. it’s essential that both FIFA and the Saudi government prioritize sustainable practices, such as reducing carbon footprints through green construction practices, energy-efficient transportation, and waste reduction initiatives during the tournament. Effective planning and commitment to sustainability should be part of the broader conversation leading up to the event.
Editor: In light of these challenges, what role do you believe fans and the global football community can play in influencing positive changes in this context?
Dr. Al-Mansur: fans and the global football community can be powerful advocates for change. By speaking out on social media, supporting organizations that focus on labor rights, and holding FIFA accountable for their actions and decisions, they can create pressure for positive reform. Additionally, attending games and participating in discussions about these issues can further elevate the conversation. The collective voice of fans has historically influenced major sporting organizations to address pressing issues, and this is an opportune time for that influence to resonate.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Al-Mansur, for sharing your insights on such a complex and vital topic. As we approach this monumental event, it is indeed crucial to keep these issues at the forefront, ensuring that they are addressed responsibly and ethically.
Dr. al-Mansur: Thank you for having me.It’s crucial that as we celebrate such significant milestones in sports,we also prioritize the rights and dignity of everyone involved.
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Editor: Stay tuned as we continue to explore the multifaceted implications of the 2034 World Cup and what it means for football and broader societal issues.Thank you for reading Time.news.