Esquerra has introduced the measure intending to urge the Spanish government to establish binding commitments to prevent human rights violations regarding the 2030 World Cup hosted by Morocco, Spain and Portugal.

The Spanish Congress has given the green light to a motion by Esquerra Republicana condemning the grave human rights violations that have occurred in countries such as Qatar or Saudi Arabia, hosting major sporting events such as the 2022 World Cup or Formula 1 and motorcycling Grand Prix.

“In recent years, several authoritarian regimes have adopted a strategy employing major sporting events to whitewash oppression of their people,” censured Francesc-Marc Álvaro, the congressman defending the motion. Esquerra’s congressman was firm in demanding that the Spanish government should “guarantee” that these practices “shall not be repeated” during the organization of the 2030 World Cup, which Spain will host jointly with Portugal and Morocco, the latter country known for its repeated human rights violations against its population, with the clearest example being the Sahrawi people.

Mr Álvaro appealed before the Foreign Affairs Committee where this motion was debated and voted on, to reach a “minimum” consensus not to tolerate major sporting events being held in countries that do not respect the fundamental rights of their population, such as Saudi Arabia, selected to host the 2034 World Cup. “These are countries where the minimal standards for workers’ conditions are not upheld,” he insisted.

The Non-Legislative Motional Motion passed with 20 vote in favour and 17 against, further called for FIFA to suspend the election of Saudi Arabia as the host of the 2034 World Cup until the protection of human rights and working conditions of labourers is assured; to urge the Royal Spanish Football Federation to review and to condition its international agreements on guaranteeing respect and protection of human rights, avoiding the holding of sporting events in countries with a history of violations of fundamental rights, and likewise, to promote the inclusion of protocols against gender violence, harassment, xenophobia and racism for all sporting events held in Spanish territory.