World Cup a “bonanza for sportswashing” says Human Rights Watch

Human Rights Watch has warned of “fear” and “authoritarianism” at this summer’s World Cup.  

Following Russia and Qatar, the finals in the United States, Mexico and Canada were seen as a safe haven, but the policies of US President Donald Trump have promoted widespread criticism and reshaped America’s global reputation – and on Monday Human Rights Watch, in a press briefing, cautioned that the tournament could be “a bonanza of sportswashing.  

“This was supposed to be the first ever World Cup with a human rights framework: key protections for workers, fans, players and communities,” said Mindy Worden of Human Rights Watch. 

“Instead, the US administration’s brutal immigration crackdown, discriminatory policies and threats to press freedom mean the tournament risks being defined by exclusion and fear. I think we are here to say that the problem of sportswashing is alive and well and this World Cup will be a bonanza for sportswashing. 

“In the United States, Donald Trump has made a singular effort to weaponise sports, both to cover up the aggressive immigration enforcement campaign and also to present the impression that this is a safe and fun event. Our message today is it’s neither safe nor particularly fun and probably quite unprecedented in the challenges that we’re seeing.” 

Human Rights Watch once again called on FIFA to ensure ICE will not cast a shadow over the tournament with their presence and scare off supporters. Norway FA president Lise Klaveness said that she will raise the issue at the FiFA Congress in Vancouver this week.  

“We are very concerned that it should be inclusive and safe for everybody regardless of ethnicity, which country you come from, your sexual orientation,” said Klaveness.  

“This is something we know FIFA agrees with us on and we want to address to Fifa leadership how they are working to prevent, for example, ICE actions to make sure all fans can come to the stadiums safely. We hope to speak to FIFA leadership both in the congress and after it to address this issue and support their work in these matters.” 

FIFA has been contacted for comment.