Human rights organizations are pressing FIFA to extract binding commitments from Morocco and Saudi Arabia ahead of their selections as World Cup hosts, citing concerns over the persecution of LGBT visitors in both nations.
Both countries maintain laws that criminalize homosexuality. Morocco prosecutes individuals under Article 489 of its penal code, while Saudi Arabia enforces strict Sharia-based statutes that carry severe penalties including imprisonment and corporal punishment. Advocates worry that openly gay fans and journalists attending World Cup matches could face legal consequences or discrimination.
FIFA has faced mounting pressure over host nation selections after the 2022 Qatar World Cup exposed the organization's weak enforcement of human rights standards. Qatar also criminalized same-sex relations, and reports documented abusive treatment of migrant workers constructing tournament infrastructure.
LGBT rights groups demand that FIFA require explicit legal protections for all World Cup visitors regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. They want written guarantees that host governments will suspend enforcement of anti-LGBT laws during the tournaments and provide security for vulnerable populations.
"FIFA cannot repeat the mistakes of Qatar," advocates argued in recent statements. The organization must treat human rights commitments as conditions of hosting, not optional goodwill gestures.
FIFA has historically maintained that it does not dictate domestic laws to host nations, framing the World Cup as a sporting event separate from political governance. That position faces erosion as public opinion and activist campaigns increasingly hold the organization accountable for enabling human rights abuses.
Morocco faces competition from other bidders for hosting rights, though Saudi Arabia has positioned itself as a major contender following its Vision 2030 development initiative. The decision comes as FIFA navigates unprecedented scrutiny over its credibility and governance standards.