Football governing body FIFA has assured the African Regional Organisation of the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC-Africa) of its commitment to protecting workers’ rights in the lead-up to the 2034 FIFA World Cup.
FIFA announced that Saudi Arabia, the host nation, has pledged to establish a workers’ welfare system to monitor compliance with labour rights standards, a move aimed at addressing concerns over the treatment of African migrant workers in the country.
This follows ITUC-Africa’s concerns about ongoing human and labour rights abuses faced by migrant workers in Saudi Arabia. Last December, ITUC-Africa wrote to FIFA urging decisive action to safeguard workers’ rights in the host country.
The workers’ organisation called for comprehensive labour reforms, including the abolition of the kafala system and the establishment of an independent monitoring body to oversee workers’ conditions during the tournament’s preparations.
In a letter to ITUC-Africa, FIFA Secretary General, Mattias Grafstrom, reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to integrating respect for human rights into its tournaments.
He emphasised that the bidding process for the 2034 World Cup incorporated significant human rights-related requirements, compelling all entities involved in the tournament to adhere to international labour standards.
Grafstrom revealed that Saudi Arabia has committed to ensuring fair wages, decent working and living conditions, and the creation of a robust monitoring system to oversee labour practices. Additionally, the Saudi government has pledged to collaborate with the International Labour Organisation (ILO) to uphold international standards.
“With the bidding processes now completed, FIFA is working collaboratively with its local counterparts to ensure these commitments are upheld. The FIFA World Cup will shine a spotlight on Saudi Arabia for years to come, providing an opportunity for actors within and beyond the country to promote positive change,” Grafstrom said.
Despite FIFA’s assurances, ITUC-Africa General Secretary Akhator Joel Odigie, expressed concern over the realization of these commitments without genuine reforms in Saudi Arabia’s labour market and industrial practices.
While appreciating FIFA’s response, Odigie called for inclusive, collaborative, and process-driven reforms, stating: “We vow to remain seized with this campaign until we see, feel, and measure tangible changes in Saudi Arabia’s laws and practices. Black lives must be respected and valued as those of other races.”
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