The upcoming decision on Saudi Arabia’s bid to host the 2034 FIFA World Cup has drawn criticism from the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE).
Mogens Jensen, PACE General Rapporteur on Governance and Ethics in Sport, has expressed concern over what he describes as “a rather opaque process,” highlighting FIFA’s apparent disregard for its own eligibility and evaluation criteria. Specifically, Jensen emphasised the absence of binding commitments from Saudi Arabia regarding human rights reforms, including labour rights, freedom of expression, gender equality, and anti-discrimination.
Jensen’s statement follows a letter from Linda Hofstad Helleland, Chair of PACE’s Culture, Science, Education and Media Committee, urging FIFA to impose enforceable human rights conditions on Saudi Arabia’s bid. In her letter to FIFA President Gianni Infantino, Helleland stressed the organisation’s responsibility to set a precedent for fairness, dignity, and respect for human rights in global sport. “Hosting a World Cup is more than an honour; it is a responsibility,” she wrote, urging FIFA to meet the expectations of both the Assembly and millions of fans worldwide.
These calls from PACE place FIFA under increasing pressure to demonstrate transparency and accountability in its selection process. As the 11 December decision approaches, the spotlight remains on whether FIFA will adopt and enforce human rights conditions in its bid evaluation or proceed without addressing these growing concerns.
