Rights groups accuse Clifford Chance of “whitewashing” Saudi human rights record to support World Cup bid

Eleven international human rights organizations have criticized the global law firm Clifford Chance for publishing a report on Saudi Arabia’s human rights situation, alleging it aims to bolster Saudi Arabia’s bid to host the 2034 World Cup. The groups labeled the report as “flawed,” accusing it of providing an incomplete picture by overlooking issues such as freedom of expression, women’s rights, and migrant labor.

The report has raised questions about the integrity of the bidding process, especially given earlier remarks from FIFA President Gianni Infantino hinting at Saudi Arabia’s hosting prospects even before voting concluded. Saudi Arabia’s plans to construct eleven new stadiums for the tournament also raised labor rights concerns, particularly under the controversial kafala system, often criticized for enabling worker exploitation.

According to the rights organizations, human rights have deteriorated in Saudi Arabia in recent years, with restrictions on freedom of expression, rising execution rates, and continued suppression of political and social rights, especially affecting women. They warned that the World Cup bid could serve to improve Saudi Arabia’s global image despite ongoing violations.