The Football Association (FA) has said it received assurances from Saudi Arabia that LGBTQ+ fans would be “safe and welcome”, after backing the Gulf state in its bid to host the 2034 World Cup.
FIFA confirmed on Wednesday, December 11 that the nation would host the tournament, despite criticism of its human and LGBTQ+ rights record.
Peter Tatchell Foundation, the LGBTQ+ and human rights organisation, said: “This is a crushing defeat for the rights of migrant workers, LGBTs & women. FIFA approved the bid despite Saudi’s appalling human rights record. SHAME!”
FIFA president Gianni Infantino said in closing remarks at congress that the organisation was “inclusive” and “non-discriminatory”.
“We are of course aware of critics and fears, and I fully trust our hosts to address all open points from this process and deliver a FIFA World Cup which meets expectations,” he added.
The FA said its board met Saudi football chiefs in November to discuss the bid in detail.
“We asked them to commit to ensuring all fans would be safe and welcome in Saudi Arabia in 2034 – including LGBTQ+ fans,” the FA said.
“They assured us that they are fully committed to providing a safe and welcome environment for all fans.
“Football is a global game and is for everyone. Our commitment to diversity and inclusion means being respectful of all, including all religions and cultures.
“We also believe that hosting World Cups can be a catalyst for positive change, which is best delivered by working collaboratively in partnership with host nations.
“We will work with FIFA and UEFA to ensure that commitments to respect all human rights are delivered.”
In Saudi Arabia, same-sex sexual activity between men and women is prohibited under Sharia law, under which all sex outside of marriage, include same-sex sexual activity, is criminalised. The maximum penalty under the law is the death penalty. In addition to potentially being captured by laws that criminalise same-sex activity, trans people may also face prosecution for failing to adhere to strict dress codes imposed by Sharia law.
According to the Human Dignity Trust, there is “substantial evidence” of the law being enforced in recent years, with LGBTQ+ people being frequently subject to arrest.
There have been consistent reports of discrimination and violence being committed against LGBTQ+ people in recent years, including murder, assault, harassment, and the denial of basic rights and services.
