Saudi Arabias Human Rights Record Under Fire After W Cup Bid Win

Rights organisations strongly criticised FIFA on Wednesday after world soccers ruling body officially awarded the 2034 mens World Cup to Saudi Arabia.

Hosting the global showpiece tournament is the pinnacle of Saudi Arabias massive push into sports and entertainment over recent years as it seeks to improve its international image.

FIFAs reckless decision will put many lives at risk, Steve Cockburn, Amnesty Internationals Head of Labour Rights and Sport, said in a statement issued by 21 bodies.

They included Saudi diaspora human rights organisations, migrant workers groups from Nepal and Kenya, international trade unions, fans representatives and global human rights organisations.

FIFA knows workers will be exploited and even die without fundamental reforms in Saudi Arabia, and yet has chosen to press ahead regardless, the statement added.