The decision to award Saudi Arabia the 2034 FIFA World Cup has sparked fierce criticism from Australia’s professional soccer players union, which cited ongoing concerns about human rights violations. The union expressed doubts about FIFA’s ability to ensure the protection of vulnerable groups during the tournament.
Beau Busch, the head of Professional Footballers Australia, issued a statement emphasizing the documented risks associated with the event. “Saudi Arabia and FIFA must uphold the rights of everyone impacted by the World Cup. Yet, FIFA’s governance failures provide little confidence that harm can be avoided,” he said. The lack of transparency and accountability in FIFA’s processes has raised global alarms, with critics pointing to the limited window for competing bids and FIFA’s swift endorsement of Saudi Arabia’s proposal.
The controversy is amplified by Saudi Arabia’s long-standing record on human rights, including its treatment of migrant workers and LGBTQ individuals. Activists warn that the tournament could further entrench systemic inequalities unless significant reforms are made. While Saudi officials deny allegations of human rights abuses, many fear that the global spotlight may be leveraged to whitewash ongoing issues.
Australia has a history of opposing such practices. Its players previously spoke out against Qatar’s human rights record before the 2022 World Cup. However, Football Australia eventually joined international federations in supporting Saudi Arabia’s bid, citing confidence in FIFA’s framework for positive change. This position contrasts with earlier objections to Saudi sponsorship of the Women’s World Cup, leaving critics questioning the consistency of Australia’s stance.
The upcoming tournament raises broader questions about FIFA’s commitment to ethical governance and the responsibility of host nations. For the LGBTQ community, the prospect of a major event in a country with restrictive laws is a stark reminder of the challenges that remain. “The global football community must do more to ensure inclusivity and human rights protections, especially for marginalized groups,” Busch added.