MEPS: "NO WORLD CUP IN SAUDI ARABIA." FIFA: "WE'RE INVESTING THERE, JUST LIKE THE EU."

BRUSSELS – Human rights or lucrative deals? The prospect of the World Cup in Saudi Arabia once again highlights a Europe divided between championing values and pursuing business interests. A group of 14 MEPs from the Greens, S&D, and The Left are demanding that FIFA "suspend" the selection process for the 2034 World Cup in Saudi Arabia via an official letter. They argue this should continue "until adequate human rights protections are in place to prevent the worsening of an already disastrous situation."

However, this plea clashes with FIFA's clear intent to move forward and the EU's own explicit choice to invest heavily in the country. Mattias Grafstrom, FIFA's Secretary General, responded to the MEPs. He explained that despite invitations to Asian and Oceanian federations to submit bids for the 2034 World Cup, Saudi Arabia emerged as the "sole candidate." The result: it's either Saudi Arabia or no tournament.

Human Rights Concerns vs. FIFA's Stance

Regarding human rights, the situation in Saudi Arabia is indeed depicted as dire. The latest report from Freedom House, a Washington-based international non-governmental organization, portrays the Saudi monarchy as one of the world's worst systems, citing a lack of civil liberties. It's no surprise that the MEPs assert that, given the context, "the risks in Saudi Arabia are so high that hosting the tournament there would likely lead to severe and widespread rights violations."

Yet, FIFA's Secretary General remains steadfast. Grafstrom explains that it's "not about peremptorily excluding countries based on their general human rights context," but rather about assessing the commitments made, as in Saudi Arabia's case, and the "positive social changes in the medium to long-term horizon." This criterion, however, carries inherent risks, primarily that of unfulfilled promises from the day after the World Cup final.

Carolina Morace (M5S/The Left), a signatory of the letter to FIFA, expressed doubts: "FIFA's reassurances are not sufficient for us because they are based on announcements." She argues that in Saudi Arabia, the rights of workers, women, and the LGBTQ+ community "are still in the Middle Ages, and with the World Cup as a showcase, we risk legitimizing this lack of freedom." For this reason, she insists, "FIFA must monitor compliance with the reforms promised by Saudi Arabia and must be ready to change the host country if the full respect for the rights of fans, as well as its citizens, are not guaranteed."

FIFA Aligns with EU Investment Policies

FIFA, however, shows no inclination to change the 2034 World Cup host. The organization's Secretary General firmly stated that FIFA operates "in line with the policies and practices of the European Union," and the European Union has invested heavily in Saudi Arabia, both politically and economically.

Grafstrom reminded the MEPs that bilateral trade in goods reached 75 billion euros in 2023, EU investments in Saudi Arabia increased by 50 percent between 2020 and 2022 (from 19.9 billion euros to 30 billion euros), and "important milestones, such as the strategic partnership between the EU and Saudi Arabia on energy and technology currently under discussion," are being pursued. This is unsurprising, given that the Arab country boasts the world's sixth-largest natural gas reserves, and the EU has severed contracts with Gazprom.

Furthermore, he continued, "the opening of the first European Chamber of Commerce in Saudi Arabia in May underscores the EU's commitment to the region." Grafstrom questioned why FIFA should not invest where the EU is making substantial investments, admitting that "just like the European Union, FIFA and the global football community are seeking to support the sporting potential of this region."

The European Union, therefore, remains a victim of its own dual nature: values used for rhetoric, money useful for filling coffers. Where is the scandal? In Riyadh or in Brussels? Posterity will deliver the difficult judgment. But first, settle in and enjoy the spectacle of the World Cup in Saudi Arabia.