So Saudi Arabia is gearing up to host the 2034 World Cup, and while the stadiums look amazing, the reality for migrant workers is pretty grim. Many are trapped in debt, working brutal hours, and barely getting paid. Some are even forced to work for years just to cover the illegal fees they paid to get there.
I get that every major sporting event relies on cheap labor, but it seems like Saudi is taking it to another level. Workers are living in overcrowded conditions, getting underpaid, and some haven’t had a day off in years.
What do you guys think? Should FIFA be doing more to hold them accountable?
Honestly, this feels just like what happened in Qatar for the last World Cup. Migrant workers built everything, but their working conditions were horrible. And now it’s happening again.
Yani said:
Honestly, this feels just like what happened in Qatar for the last World Cup. Migrant workers built everything, but their working conditions were horrible. And now it’s happening again.
Right? Qatar got a ton of criticism, but FIFA still gave Saudi the 2034 Cup. Feels like they don’t care as long as the money is flowing.
I read that a lot of these workers take out massive loans just to get to Saudi, and then they end up working for free for years just to pay them off. That’s crazy.
Micah said:
I read that a lot of these workers take out massive loans just to get to Saudi, and then they end up working for free for years just to pay them off. That’s crazy.
Yep, especially for workers from Bangladesh. They get hit the hardest because they have to pay huge fees just for a work visa. Then when they get there, some don’t even get their full salaries.
Oakes said:
Didn’t Saudi say they were improving labor laws? I remember reading something about reforms.
They did, but a lot of workers say nothing has actually changed. Even with the new laws, many of them can’t switch jobs without their employer’s permission. It’s basically the same system.
This whole thing is wild. Some of these workers are earning less than $2 an hour, and they still have to pay part of their wages just to keep their work permits.
Zadie said:
This whole thing is wild. Some of these workers are earning less than $2 an hour, and they still have to pay part of their wages just to keep their work permits.
And they don’t even get paid on time. Some guys worked for months and only got paid for one month. How is that legal?
FIFA should make labor rights part of the requirements to host a World Cup. Like, if a country doesn’t treat workers fairly, they shouldn’t be allowed to host. Simple as that.
Rowen said:
FIFA should make labor rights part of the requirements to host a World Cup. Like, if a country doesn’t treat workers fairly, they shouldn’t be allowed to host. Simple as that.
Agreed, but let’s be real—FIFA won’t do that. They only care about money and big sponsorship deals. Aramco is now one of their biggest sponsors, so there’s no way they’re going to challenge Saudi on this.
