Saudi Arabia is hosting the World Cup – which is a major worry for LGBTQ+ people

Human rights campaigner Peter Tatchell has written to the Saudi Football Federation, urging them to meet with him and to guarantee the safety, dignity and rights of LGBTQ+ players, officials and fans attending the 2034 FIFA World Cup in Saudi Arabia.

Saudi Arabia: the World Cup must be a safe space

Tatchell’s letter to Hammad Albalawi of the FIFA World Cup 2034 team highlights the Kingdom’s criminalisation of same-sex relationships, including the death penalty; and broader restrictions on LGBTQ+ rights. This raises serious concerns about the ability of all participants to attend the tournament safely and free from discrimination, harassment and prosecution.

“FIFA has a responsibility to uphold human rights in all aspects of its operations. Yet the decision to award the World Cup to Saudi Arabia, a country where LGBTQ+ people face severe persecution, is deeply troubling” Tatchell said:

Without cast-iron guarantees from Saudi authorities, LGBTQ+ fans could face serious risks.

Tatchell had previously written to FIFA but his letter remains unanswered, so he has now requested a formal meeting with Saudi officials to secure their World Cup commitments on five key issues:

• Safety and Non-Discrimination: clear guarantees that LGBTQ+ fans, players, officials, and media will not face discrimination, harassment, or prosecution.
• Freedom of Expression and Visibility: a commitment that fans can display rainbow flags, symbols, and messages without intimidation or arrest.
• Legal Protections: assurances that LGBTQ+ attendees will not face legal consequences for expressing their sexual orientation or gender identity while in Saudi Arabia.
• Inclusive Hospitality and Services: pledges that hotels, restaurants, transport, and public venues will not discriminate against LGBTQ+ visitors.
• Engagement with Human Rights Experts: a promise to collaborate with FIFA and human rights organisations to ensure an inclusive and safe tournament.

Challenging sportswashing

Tatchell has a long history of opposing sportswashing and challenging FIFA’s support for regimes with poor human rights records. He staged the first-ever LGBTQ+ protest in a Gulf state ahead of the 2022 Qatar World Cup and was previously placed under house arrest in Mumbai in 2023 for protesting against the International Olympic Committee’s collusion with authoritarian governments

“Saudi Arabia has an opportunity to demonstrate a serious commitment to human rights progress and inclusivity on the world stage. These five guarantees would send a powerful message that the Kingdom is prepared to engage meaningfully with the international community on human rights” Tatchell added.

“Without them, the World Cup risks becoming yet another example of sportswashing – where oppressive regimes use global sporting events to launder their reputations” Tatchell concluded.

Tatchell awaits a response from Saudi officials and urges FIFA to hold host nations accountable to their human rights pledges.

Featured image via the Canary