Human rights and football

In 2017, FIFA adopted a new human rights policy, in which it pledged to “respect human rights in accordance with the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights”. These guiding principles state that “business enterprises must prevent, mitigate, and where appropriate, remedy human rights abuses that they cause or contribute to”.

FIFA have extended these commitments to nations that host its tournaments.

QATAR

Qatar hosted the 2022 Men’s World Cup. As part of the process, Qatar committed to a number of human rights reforms. However, progress has slowed and in some cases reversed. Areas of concern in Qatar include labour, women’s rights, LGBTQ rights, and freedom of expression.

UNITED STATES

The United States are one of three nations that will host the 2026 Men’s World Cup. Despite a written constitution that enshrines basic human rights, these essential rights have been eroded in recent years. Areas of concern in the United States include minority rights, immigration policy, LGBTQ rights, freedom of expression, ethics, and anticorruption.

SAUDI ARABIA

Saudi Arabia were chosen to host the 2034 Men’s World Cup in an opaque, restrictive process. Areas of concern in Saudi Arabia include labour, women’s rights, LGBTQ rights, and freedom of expression.