FIFA Asked to Strip Qatar of 2022 WC if Human Rights Violation Continues

A Harvard professor tasked by FIFA with recommending human rights obligations for soccer's governing body has concluded that World Cups should be removed from countries if hosts are failing to eradicate abuses.

John Ruggie, who formulated business and human rights principles for the United Nations, was mandated by FIFA to produce a report largely in response to concerns about the mistreatment of workers in 2022 World Cup host Qatar.

Among his conclusions, Ruggie writes "where FIFA is unable to reduce severe human rights impacts by using its leverage, it should consider suspending or terminating the relationship." Ruggie says that should apply to any entity FIFA has a relationship with — from World Cup hosts to sponsors.

FIFA's latest statues include a commitment to protect "all internationally recognized human rights."