During Infantino’s term,Saudi Arabia has grown drastically in political influence. While Qatar had Infantino’s blessing to force its way into becoming a joint host of last year’s World Cup,the Saudi kingdom has become a frontrunner in bidding to host several major events including the 2030 Centenary World Cup.
Despite having a human rights policy for the previous six years that obligates the governing body to uphold and promote all internationally-recognised human rights and audit its commercial partners and hosts,Infantino appears to have disregarded its provisions in favour of promoting the highest bidder. And other than Qatar,few can match Saudi Arabia.
Visit Saudi is Saudi Arabia’s state tourism authority and operates under a legal system that discriminates in a way that renders women legal minors throughout their life in a number of ways. FIFA’s human rights policy prohibits any forms of discrimination,including on the grounds of gender,yet it has accepted the organisation as a cup sponsor.
Although Saudi women over the age of 21 can now apply for a passport and travel abroad without permission from their male guardian,they are subject to considerable male-centred legal control relating to marriage,divorce,children’s issues and custody. Men can file cases against women for “disobedience”,forcing women to return to their male guardian or face imprisonment.
Saudi Arabia formed its first women’s league in 2020,which was an important and commendable step. However,every female athlete is still subject to state-sponsored discrimination.
Additionally,attending journalists will be asked to work in an environment where a sponsor is part of a state responsible for the murder and dismemberment of Jamal Khashoggi and which enforces severe censorship,surveillance and imprisons journalists.