Hosts could lose World Cups if they fail to stamp out human rights abuses

14 April 2016 14:23

A Harvard professor commissioned to make recommendations to FIFA on human rights has recommended host countries could be stripped of staging tournaments if they fail to stamp out abuses.

Human rights expert John Ruggie was last December asked by FIFA to develop recommendations on the topic for football's world governing body after it announced bids for the 2026 World Cup must meet human rights criteria.

FIFA controversially awarded the 2018 World Cup to Russia and the 2022 tournament to Qatar.

Ruggie makes 25 recommendations in his 42-page report, broadly suggesting FIFA employs a change of culture, a proactive approach and accountability.

"Where FIFA is unable to reduce severe human rights impacts by using its leverage, it should consider suspending or terminating the relationship," the report states.

"Where this is not possible FIFA should at a minimum explain its efforts to mitigate the impacts as transparently as possible."

Governments and corporate sponsors have an obligation to ensure FIFA meets its new human rights commitment, too, the report adds.

Ruggie said: "FIFA is not solely responsible for solving these problems where the actions of others are the primary cause.

"But it must use its influence to address these human rights risks as determinedly as it does to pursue its commercial interests."

Ruggie believes FIFA's reputation depends on the implementation of his recommendations.

FIFA president Gianni Infantino, who was elected on February 26, met Ruggie on Wednesday.

Infantino said: "FIFA is committed to playing its part in ensuring respect for human rights and to being a leader among international sports organisations in this important area."

Source: PA