By Nakiwala Barbra
The Swiss Football Association (ASF) has endorsed Saudi Arabia’s successful bid to host the 2034 FIFA Men’s World Cup, but not without conditions. ASF President Dominique Blanc emphasized that their approval hinged on commitments to uphold workers’ rights and human rights, as outlined in Saudi Arabia’s bid dossier.
In a statement, Blanc noted that while the bid presented an extensive strategy for safeguarding these rights, there were notable gaps requiring attention. To address these, the ASF has called for the establishment of independent monitoring and appeal bodies, alongside oversight from the International Labour Organisation (ILO).
The ASF’s support comes with a formal letter to FIFA detailing specific demands and proposals to ensure compliance. This move highlights ongoing concerns about human rights practices in Saudi Arabia, even as the nation seeks to use the tournament to project an image of reform and modernization.
