Statement from Peter Tatchell
London, UK – 16 December 2024
“The decision to award the 2034 World Cup to Saudi Arabia is a betrayal of the values that football should stand for: inclusivity, fairness, and respect for human rights. Saudi Arabia’s appalling record of executions, repression of dissent, persecution of LGBT+ people, and ongoing war crimes in Yemen makes it an unworthy host for one of the world’s most celebrated sporting events.
This is not about football; it’s about sportswashing. The Saudi regime is using the World Cup to launder its international image and distract from its brutal abuses. By granting them this platform, FIFA is complicit in whitewashing their crimes.
We must not let the beautiful game be hijacked by regimes that oppress their own citizens. I urge players, fans, and all who care about human rights to speak out against this decision. Together, we can stand up for justice and ensure that football remains a force for good, not a tool for oppression.”