FIFA World Cups: Promises, Risks and Remedies under International Law

The Dickson Poon School of Law’s Future Impact Prize Event.

FIFA, with 211 national associations, is likely the most global organization in the world. The World Cup touches the lives of millions of people around the world: through the hundreds of players, the millions of visitors and the billions of viewers, but also through the people involved in the activities to develop football, those working in infrastructure and service industries, and those involved in, affected by, or otherwise interested in FIFA’s operations.

In this event we will explore, from a human rights perspective, the promises of a positive legacy that the upcoming World Cups in US/Mexico (2026) and Morocco/Portugal/Spain (2030) may offer, and consider the prospects for Saudi Arabia (2034). Panellists will discuss the responsibility of states, including through international and domestic litigation, domestic advocacy, inter-state communications and ILO mechanisms. We will explore the accountability of international organisations such as FIFA and multinational corporations.

Mr Ambet Yuson, General Secretary of the Building and Wood Workers' International will deliver the keynote speech: "Challenges for FIFA with the Saudi Bid: Learning from Qatar".

Speakers:

• William Rook, Centre for Sports and Human Rights (Geneva), Deputy Chief Executive
• Professor Philippa Webb, Director of CIGAD, Professor of Public International Law, King’s College London
• Nusrat Uddin, Partner, Wilsons Solicitors
• Ishaani Shrivastava, Barrister, Devereux Chambers
• José Alberto Navaro, Partner, Uría Menendez
• Dr Rosana Garciandía, Associate Director of CIGAD, Lecturer in Public International Law, King’s College London
• Dr Rishi Gulati, Associate Professor in International Law, University of East Anglia
• Moira Thompson-Oliver, Head of Business and human Rights, Slaughter & May