It saddens all of us with any feelings of kindness towards others that football, the World's most popular sport, continues to support countries notorious for human rights abuses by enabling them to host the coveted World Cup competition.

The World Cup scheduled to take place in Saudi Arabia in 2034 is highly questionable due to the country's appalling track record on human rights. Saudi Arabia is highly criticized for repressive policies that restrict freedom of expression, association and belief, women's rights and routinely conducts unfair trials, tortures detained individuals, and executes people in a discriminatory manner. Isn't the hosting of the World's most prestigious sporting event a seal of global acceptance of their abysmal human rights record?

We have been in this situation before with regards to the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. Many people highlighted the human rights issues but nobody acted. The time to act was when the decision was made in December 2010. We now in December 2024 have a second chance. Do we have the will and courage to do what is right? 

Who though is responsible? We cannot expect FIFA, the corrupt governing body of football to suddenly do what is right. They are only concerned about money. As for the individual football associations of each country, they are too afraid to oppose FIFA. If one association did so alone, then they would probably lose their participation in the FIFA World Cup alone.

The only way to ensure an alternative is for the whole football community to take action together.

As football supporters of the general public we must sign this petition to demand clubs, who are not directly affiliated to FIFA, to refuse to release their players. If necessary an alternative body to FIFA can be founded: an association within which only players and supporters with season holders at all registered professional clubs in the world can vote on such important decisions as to which country holds the New World Cup.

Football players are more than just players; they are influential figures that inspire millions globally. The clubs they play for wield significant power and in turn, have the opportunity to make a serious statement about human rights.

It’s time for supporters, players and clubs, to fight together against the greed, hypocrisy and evil that is FIFA. Say ‘no’ to the World Cup 2034 in Saudi Arabia

This petition seeks to urge football clubs around the globe to not give permission for their players to participate in the World Cup in Saudi Arabia in 2034. By withholding their players from taking part, these clubs can demonstrate a clear stance against human rights abuses and the corruption within FIFA.

Football should be about unity, respect, and fairness, not a platform for promoting countries with severe human rights violations. Your signature can make a difference by sending a powerful message to football clubs worldwide that we stand for human rights. Please, sign this petition today.