FIFA Adviser Could Strip Nations of World Cups Over Rights Abuses

A Harvard professor tasked by FIFA with recommending  for soccer's governing body has concluded that World Cups should be removed from countries if hosts are failing to eradicate abuses.

John Ruggie, who formulated business and human rights principles for the United Nations, was mandated by FIFA to produce a report largely in response to concerns about the mistreatment of workers in 2022 World Cup host Qatar.

Among his conclusions, Ruggie writes "where FIFA is unable to reduce severe human rights impacts by using its leverage, it should consider suspending or terminating the relationship." Ruggie says that should apply to any entity FIFA has a relationship with — from World Cup hosts to sponsors.

FIFA's latest statues include a commitment to protect "all internationally recognized human rights."