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FIFA has faced criticism for rejecting calls to appoint independent monitors to oversee the working conditions of migrant laborers in Saudi Arabia ahead of the 2034 World Cup. The decision has drawn backlash from international labor organizations, particularly the African Regional Organization of the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC-Africa), which represents 18 million workers across the continent.
ITUC-Africa had urged FIFA to take stronger measures to protect the rights of the estimated 10 million migrant workers expected to be involved in the vast construction projects required for the tournament, including 11 new stadiums, expanded transport systems, and 185,000 hotel rooms. They also called for the abolition of the kafala system—a controversial labor sponsorship program often criticized for enabling exploitative practices—and requested the inclusion of independent monitors to ensure workers’ welfare.
In a response seen by The Guardian, FIFA’s general secretary Mattias Grafström acknowledged the concerns but dismissed the need for external oversight. He pointed instead to commitments made by Saudi Arabia in its bid document, which included plans for a “workers’ welfare system” and the formation of a governance group comprising various Saudi government departments. However, critics argue the specifics of these proposals remain vague, and the absence of independent monitoring raises questions about their efficacy.
The decision has amplified scrutiny of Saudi Arabia’s human rights record, particularly its treatment of migrant workers. Laborers, predominantly from South Asia and Africa, are expected to constitute the bulk of the workforce tasked with delivering the massive infrastructure projects. Past World Cup preparations in Qatar drew global attention to unsafe working conditions and reports of exploitation, sparking concerns that similar issues could arise in Saudi Arabia without robust safeguards.
In his letter, Grafström stated FIFA’s intention to “engage constructively” with international labor rights organizations and claimed the tournament could serve as an opportunity to promote positive change. “The FIFA World Cup will shine a spotlight on Saudi Arabia for the years to come,” he wrote.
However, ITUC-Africa and other rights groups remain unconvinced, accusing FIFA of repeating past mistakes and failing to prioritize the welfare of workers. They argue that reliance on host nations’ assurances without independent verification risks perpetuating harmful labor practices.
Saudi Arabia has promised to leverage relationships with international bodies like the International Labour Organization to address labor concerns, but the lack of clarity around the implementation of these initiatives has left many skeptical. As preparations for the 2034 World Cup ramp up, calls for FIFA to adopt more transparent and enforceable measures to protect migrant workers are expected to intensify.
Featured Image Credit: Unsplash / Fauzan Saari, Pexels / Andre Pombal
