By Andrew Warshaw
April 22 – A coalition of non-governmental organisations has written to FIFA President Sepp Blatter and the three candidates bidding for his job urging them to make tackling human rights a priority as soon as the May 29 election is over – especially when it comes to the 2018 and 2022 World Cups.
A questionnaire has been sent by the Sports and Rights Alliance to Blatter, Jordan’s Prince Ali bin al-Hussein, Portugal’s former world footballer of the year Luís Figo and Dutch FA president Michael van Praag calling on them to address human rights and corruption issues in the first 100 days of their presidency if they win.
The group, which includes Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, the International Trade Union Confederation, Terre des Hommes and Transparency International, focuses mainly on Russia and Qatar, both of whom have drawn considerable criticism over various human rights issues since being awarding 2018 and 2022 respectively.
Whilst Qatar, where scores of migrant workers have lost their lives, has been accused of antiquated labour laws and dangerous working conditions, Russia has been dogged by racism as well as claims of homophobia and lack of freedom of expression.
“The election of a new president gives FIFA a chance to turn over a new leaf, to say enough is enough and to use the power and influence of that position to push for positive change,” said Eduard Nazarski, director of Amnesty International Netherlands and a member of the SRA.
“Millions are closely monitoring the FIFA presidential elections. Many will be waiting to hear if the new president will be prepared to put the bad old days behind them and harness the power of football to ensure respect for human rights, transparency and sustainability. If they don’t, the World Cup will continue to leave widespread misery in its wake.”
The letter also calls on all four candidates to step up FIFA’s “much needed” reform process, including the implementation of term limits, integrity checks and disclosure of salaries.
Contact the writer of this story at moc.l1734830208labto1734830208ofdlr1734830208owedi1734830208sni@w1734830208ahsra1734830208w.wer1734830208dna1734830208