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Global Unions Protest Saudi Arabia’s World Cup Worker Horrors

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Andy Hageman | Last updated Jun 6, 2025 1:48 PM ET

FIFA’s choice of Saudi Arabia for the 2034 World Cup has sparked fresh outrage, with recent protests slamming the Kingdom’s human rights and labor abuses. Global unions and activists are rallying against worker exploitation, demanding accountability, but is Gianni Infantino listening?

Just days ago, trade unions from 36 countries filed a landmark complaint with the UN’s International Labour Organization, accusing Saudi Arabia of “severe” migrant worker abuses tied to World Cup preparations per TheGuardian.com. The complaint highlights wage theft, passport confiscation, and forced labor conditions. Workers face grueling hours with little recourse, fueling global condemnation.

Human Rights Watch recently amplified concerns, reporting that migrant worker deaths are surging as Saudi Arabia ramps up construction for 2034 per France24.com. Activists argue these preventable tragedies echo Qatar’s 2022 controversies, yet FIFA’s inaction persists. Protests are intensifying, with unions demanding urgent reforms to protect vulnerable laborers.

LGBTQ+ rights remain a contentious issue, with Saudi laws criminalizing same-sex relationships drawing fresh scrutiny. Despite assurances from bid chief Hammad Albalawi that fans will be safe, advocacy groups question whether inclusivity is feasible per Reuters.com. Social media posts on X reflect growing fan skepticism about safety guarantees.

Environmental alarms are also spiking, with mega-projects like Neom criticized for their massive carbon footprint. Activists warn that Saudi Arabia’s vague “green” promises lack substance, threatening global climate goals (BBC.com). Protests have targeted these sustainability failures, accusing FIFA of prioritizing profit over ethics.

Saudi Arabia’s $6 billion infrastructure investment aims to deliver jaw-dropping stadiums, but critics call it sportswashing to mask abuses per BBC.com. A recent X post by @ituc detailed the complaint against Saudi Arabia, citing “debt bondage” and urging international action. The momentum of these protests is growing louder.

Amnesty International and others have called for FIFA to halt the bid, warning of a “tainted” World Cup without sweeping changes. The Building and Wood Workers’ International accused FIFA of ignoring evidence of ongoing violations per Insidethegames.biz. The pressure is mounting on football’s governing body.

Player voices could shift the narrative, with some urging stars to speak out, as noted in recent X discussions per X post by @henrywinter. Yet, FIFA’s alignment with Saudi wealth raises doubts about reform. The FA’s cautious support hinges on untested fan safety promises.

The 2034 World Cup teeters between spectacle and scandal. As protests swell, the world demands whether Saudi Arabia can deliver a tournament free from exploitation. Football’s soul is at stake.

Next: The 2034 FIFA World Cup Hasn’t Even Begun, But the Deaths Have

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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