Human Rights Watch has voiced significant concerns regarding the United States’ hosting of the FIFA World Cup. The organization asserts the country is “not the right host” at a time when the rights of workers, athletes, fans, and communities essential to the tournament are being curtailed, according to director Minky Worden. The human rights situation in the U.S., she stated, is moving in a “completely wrong direction” for hosting an international event of this magnitude.
FIFA Urged to Review U.S. Hosting
“If Donald Trump prevents fans or even players from traveling to the World Cup, FIFA must reconsider whether it is still feasible to hold the tournament in the United States,” Worden said. She rejected calls for the exclusion of Iran, despite acknowledging the long-standing politicization of sport within the country. Former U.S. President Trump had previously suggested that security risks made Iran’s participation in the tournament, scheduled for June 11 to July 19, inappropriate.
The Iranian Football Federation responded by stating that FIFA is the authority on such decisions. Iran also proposed hosting its World Cup matches in Mexico instead of the United States. The United States and Israel have been engaged in ongoing conflict with Iran since the end of February, with Iran conducting retaliatory actions.
