Football

Qatar's human rights record came under scrutiny at the United Nations' Human Rights Council on Tuesday, November 12, 2024. While the country was praised for improving labor laws ahead of the 2022 World Cup, it was urged to fully abolish its employment system for migrant workers.Qatar's senior diplomat in Geneva highlighted the progress made in recent years, including the introduction of a minimum wage, freedom to change employers, and measures to combat forced labor and trafficking. However, the country was urged by France and Sierra Leone to pursue further reforms and consider abolishing the kafala system, which ties migrant workers to their employers.The Netherlands delegation commended Qatar's efforts but emphasized the need for more effective enforcement and implementation of labor laws. Other countries, including Brazil, Ireland, Italy, and New Zealand, called for the abolition of the death penalty and the decriminalization of same-sex relations.In response to criticism of Qatar's record on women's rights, the country's representative pointed to the increased number of women in diplomatic roles. However, Sweden and Iceland recommended further reforms in areas such as divorce, child custody, and inheritance. Iceland also urged the decriminalization of abortion and access to reproductive health services without the need for male guardian approval.Qatar's delegation highlighted the country's rise in the global press freedom index. Norway recommended ensuring that civil society, human rights defenders, and journalists can operate freely without fear of reprisals.Despite the progress made, Qatar is expected to face continued scrutiny as it prepares to host the 2036 Olympics. The country's sports ministry official emphasized the importance of sports as a platform for cooperation and empowerment, stating that Qatar will continue its efforts in the field of sport and empowerment.

FIFA's Saudi Aramco Sponsorship Draws Ire of Over 100 Female FootballersOver 100 professional female footballers from 24 countries have vehemently condemned FIFA's sponsorship deal with Saudi Aramco, the world's largest state-owned oil and gas company. The partnership, signed in April 2023, will run until 2027 and encompass major events like the FIFA World Cup 2026 and FIFA Women's World Cup 2027.In a strongly worded letter, the players expressed their dismay and disappointment over FIFA's decision. They highlighted Saudi Arabia's abysmal human rights record, particularly regarding gender equality and freedom of expression. The letter emphasized that Saudi Aramco, as the primary financial lifeline of the Saudi regime, is complicit in these violations.The players urged FIFA to reconsider the partnership and seek alternative sponsors whose values align with gender equality, human rights, and environmental sustainability. They also proposed the establishment of a review committee with player representation to evaluate the ethical implications of future sponsorship deals.The letter pointed out that FIFA's Council, which made the decision to partner with Saudi Aramco, is predominantly male (8 out of 37 members are women). The players argued that these decisions are made by individuals who are not directly affected by the Saudi regime's oppressive policies.The players also raised concerns about Saudi Arabia's alleged use of sports sponsorship to whitewash its human rights abuses. They cited the examples of Russia 2018 and Qatar 2022, where FIFA's partnerships with authoritarian regimes raised ethical questions.Becky Sauerbrunn, former captain of the US National Women's Team, stated, "The safety of women, the rights of women, LGBTQ rights, and the health of the planet need to take a much bigger priority over FIFA making more money."Sofie Junge Pedersen, a Danish international and one of the architects of the letter, emphasized, "Values are not just words to write on a page - you need to live them and stand by them. FIFA needs to stand by its set of values on human rights and sustainability, which they are not doing with this sponsorship."The players' letter has garnered widespread support from human rights organizations and activists. It remains to be seen whether FIFA will respond to the players' demands and reconsider its partnership with Saudi Aramco.

Saudi Arabia has officially launched its bid to host the 2034 FIFA World Cup, becoming the sole contender for the tournament after no other expressions of interest were received before FIFA's deadline. With Morocco, Portugal, and Spain set to co-host the 2030 World Cup, FIFA restricted the 2034 bidding process to nations from the Asian and Oceania confederations.Saudi Arabia's bid, titled "Growing. Together.," aims to highlight the nation's growing international partnerships through sports. The Saudi Arabian Football Federation (SAFF) emphasizes the country's significant investments in high-profile sports, including football, Formula One, boxing, and golf.Critics have accused Saudi Arabia of "sportswashing," using major sporting events to improve its human rights image. However, the country denies these allegations, stating that it protects its national security through its laws.SAFF President Yasser Al Misehal expressed the importance of showcasing Saudi Arabia's football story to the world. He highlighted the nation's progress in both men's and women's football, inviting the world to join them on this exciting journey.The next step in the bidding process involves submitting full bid documents to FIFA in July. The hosts for both the 2030 and 2034 World Cups will be announced at a FIFA Congress later this year.The 2026 World Cup will be jointly hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada.