Morocco, Saudi Arabia Face 2030 and 2034 World Cup Pressure Over Queer Fan Protections
Updated
Updated · POLITICO · Jul 20
Morocco, Saudi Arabia Face 2030 and 2034 World Cup Pressure Over Queer Fan Protections
1 articles · Updated · POLITICO · Jul 20
Summary
Human rights advocates say Morocco and Saudi Arabia must explicitly guarantee that queer fans will not be prosecuted during the 2030 and 2034 World Cups, despite both countries submitting human rights plans with their bids.
Morocco criminalizes same-sex sexual activity, while homosexuality is understood to be illegal under Saudi Arabia’s Islamic law system, making visitor safety the central concern before either tournament begins.
Both bid documents refer broadly to anti-discrimination commitments, but neither explicitly addresses sexual orientation; Saudi tourism guidance says all visitors are welcome if they respect local laws and traditions.
Amnesty International and FIFA anti-discrimination partner Fare say FIFA should use its leverage to secure concrete protections, arguing the governing body has been too cautious after similar controversies before Qatar 2022 and Russia 2018.
The dispute revives a broader question over FIFA’s human-rights role as the FIFA Congress has already approved both uncontested bids and past tournament concerns have often faded once play starts.
As future hosts criminalize gay rights, can FIFA's human rights promises be trusted?
With record heat and emissions, is the summer World Cup format now unsustainable?
After a half-billion dollar investment, will host cities ever see a real profit from the World Cup?
The High Cost of the Game: LGBTQ+ Rights and Human Rights Concerns at the 2030 & 2034 FIFA World Cups
Overview
Saudi Arabia will host the 2034 Men’s FIFA World Cup, but this decision has sparked major concerns about LGBTQ+ rights. While FIFA promises a secure and inclusive tournament free from discrimination, the reality in Saudi Arabia is very different. The country’s legal system, based on uncodified Islamic law, poses severe risks for LGBTQ+ individuals, with homosexuality often punishable by death. Judges can sanction people for same-sex relations, and vague laws can criminalize online LGBTQ+ activity. This stark contrast between FIFA’s assurances and Saudi Arabia’s harsh legal and social environment raises serious doubts about the safety and inclusion of LGBTQ+ fans.