The NFF criticizes FIFA’s World Cup bidding procedure, calling it “flawed and inconsistent”

In a letter to FIFA, the Norwegian Football Federation (NFF) officially challenged the procedure and announced on Tuesday that it will vote against FIFA’s allocation of hosting rights for the 2030 and 2034 World Cups by acclamation.

FIFA’s virtual extraordinary Congress is scheduled to hold votes on Wednesday to approve the 2030 and 2034 World Cups. Each bid is only expected to be accepted with a resounding vote.

For 2030, Morocco, Spain, and Portugal are the only bidders, while for 2034, Saudi Arabia is the only bidder. In October of last year, FIFA revealed the two bidders.

“Ahead of the Congress, the Norwegian Football Federation has expressed concerns on several occasions about FIFA’s process for awarding the 2030 and 2034 World Cups,” the Norwegian Football Federation stated in a statement.

“The NFF will send a formal letter to FIFA expressing disapproval of the bidding process, asking that it be noted in the minutes of the Congress.

“The NFF will vote against a vote by acclamation if one is held. The NFF is unable to support a procedure that it deems defective and at odds with FIFA’s own changes.
Additionally, the NFF asked FIFA to formally register its criticism.

An inquiry was not immediately answered by FIFA.

“DELIBERATE SIGNAL.”

“Who gets the 2030 and 2034 World Cups is not up for debate tomorrow—that has already been decided,” stated Lise Klaveness, president of the NFF.

Having you in our league as the world’s finest player is an honor for our entire nation and all the fans of the game both domestically and abroad.

“The Congress’s main objective is to offer input on FIFA’s allocation procedure. According to the board’s evaluation, the procedure does not follow the guidelines of a stable and effective governance structure.

“By abstaining from acclamation, we are sending a deliberate signal that we cannot support FIFA’s approach.”
In 2022, Argentina, Chile, Uruguay, and Paraguay jointly bid to host the 2030 World Cup.

FIFA, however, said in 2023 that, in honor of the tournament’s centennial, Argentina, Uruguay, and Paraguay would each host one World Cup match in 2030 before the action shifts to Morocco, Spain, and Portugal.

Australia and Indonesia had been discussing a joint proposal for the 2034 World Cup, but they withdrew before Saudi Arabia was revealed as the only candidate.

The rights of humans

According to Klaveness, FIFA’s credibility as the “global custodian of football” was damaged by the absence of a transparent procedure.

“FIFA’s own guidelines for human rights and due diligence have also not been adequately integrated into the process, increasing the risk of human rights violations,” she said.

In accordance with our General Assembly’s 2021 mandate, we have continuously pushed FIFA to fortify itself as a dependable and rules-based steward of international football.

“We must remain consistent in this matter as well.”
FIFA was urged last month by Amnesty International and the Sport & Rights Alliance (SRA) to put a stop to the selection of Saudi Arabia as the 2034 tournament host unless significant human rights reforms are declared prior to the voting.

Although Saudi Arabia has made significant investments in sports in recent years, some have criticized the country for allegedly “sportswashing” its human rights record through the use of its Public Investment Fund, including women’s rights organizations and LGBTQ individuals.

Claims of violations of human rights are denied by the government, which claims that its laws safeguard national security.