FIFA's Empty Gesture: Human Rights Take a Backseat to Politics The 2026 World Cup will soon captivate the world's attention, but behind the scenes, a more insidious story is unfolding.
The involvement of US President Donald Trump in the ceremony raises questions about the Fédération Internationale de Football Association's (FIFA) commitment to human rights.
The concept of "sportswashing" – where governments use sporting events to conceal their reputations while continuing human rights abuses – has a long history.