Animal rights organizations have raised concerns, urging FIFA to step in, after claims emerged that Morocco may kill up to three million dogs in preparation for the 2030 World Cup.
The 2030 World Cup, set to bring teams from across the globe to compete, is still years away.
However, Morocco has reportedly already begun preparations for its role as one of the host countries.
This preparation, critics claim, involves a controversial method of dealing with stray dogs in the country.
Animal rights activists, however, argue that this process is nothing short of a mass cull.
Moroccan authorities previously claimed to FIFA that these culling practices were halted in August 2024, according to reports from Pets Mag.
In a strongly worded open letter to FIFA’s Secretary General Mattias Grafström, Dr. Goodall expressed her outrage, stating: “I was absolutely appalled to see that Moroccan authorities are engaging in large-scale killings of street dogs to make World Cup venues more ‘presentable’ to foreign visitors. Football fans, many of whom are animal lovers, will undoubtedly react with calls to boycott the country and pressure sponsors like Qatar Airways to withdraw.”
She said: “If you fail to act, FIFA will be known for its complicity in an horrific act of barbarity – on your watch.”
Dr. Goodall and other activists have urged FIFA to take a definitive stance by suspending Morocco’s hosting rights until these alleged killings are fully investigated and stopped.
Les Ward, president of the IAWPC, has echoed this demand, calling for urgent action to protect the animals.
Alongside its calls for action, the IAWPC has also paid tribute to the animals it claims have already lost their lives due to the alleged killings.
The organization has highlighted the severity of the situation through public statements and social media posts.
The post also urged supporters to join in commemorating the lives of the dogs and grieving their loss together, saying: “Please join us in celebrating their lives and mourning their tragic deaths. Bring a real or electric candle to light in honor of the dogs who died. Share their names and stories during the ceremony. We are so sorry for your loss as we grieve with our global community of animal rights activists.”
