A/HRC/13/20 52. Despite the lack of official information in this regard, the public announcement for the bidding process for the 2018 and 2022 FIFA World Cups and the bid registration and rules of conduct applicable to those events offer some insights into the process. According to the announcement, future host countries will be expected to ensure that efforts are made to achieve positive change in keeping with the FIFA philosophy: “for the game, for the world”. 57 The announcement also describes procedures leading to the selection of the host countries for 2018 and 2022. At different stages of the candidature, applicant member associations must complete and submit to FIFA an expression of interest form, a bid registration form, a bidding agreement, a bid book, a hosting agreement and other documents. In view of the bid proposals received by FIFA, its Executive Committee will appoint the host member associations of the 2018 and 2022 FIFA World Cups.58 53. According to the bid registration form and the rules of conduct, integrity is essential to the bidding process; and applicant member associations must comply with the FIFA code of ethics. In addition, FIFA can request the Ethics Committee to conduct an evaluation of the bidding process in relation to the rules of conduct. Although this provides a normative framework and accountability tool for the 2018 and 2022 bid, the Rules of Conduct remain an ad hoc directive applicable to this particular bid, while the framework for future bids remains unclear. Moreover, no housing regulations or requisites are incorporated in the code of ethics, the bid registration form, or the rules of conduct. Nonetheless, the code of ethics requests all FIFA officials to refrain from any conduct that could be harmful to its principles and aims. 54. The process for the 2018 and 2022 football World Cups offers a number of opportunities to incorporate housing concerns into the early stages of the preparation for the Cup. Indeed, the bid book requested from applicant member associations provides an opportunity to request detailed information concerning the expected impact of the event on the housing sector. 55. The Technical Recommendations and Requirements for Football Stadiums (2007) address certain housing concerns. Organizers are asked to bear in mind that proximity to existing residential areas is the most sensitive issue in the development of a new stadium and, if possible, should be avoided. In addition, they are asked to establish early contact and consultation with local community representatives concerning the location and design of the stadiums, to ensure that the stadiums are integrated into the community and enhance the life of local residents. Although these recommendations are of great importance for the protection of the right to adequate housing of the local population, it is important that they be included in the bidding requirements for candidate countries as well as in bidding and hosting agreements, so as to guarantee their effective implementation. 56. Overall, FIFA procedures lack information accessible to the general public. Transparency and accountability are crucial to guarantee that the event will not undermine, but enhance, the human rights of local populations. In addition, although FIFA regularly issues rules of conduct applicable to each bidding process, there is no normative framework applicable to all bids. Guidelines for all bidding procedures must be adopted by FIFA. As no housing concerns have been introduced to the FIFA bidding process, there seem to be no means to assess and ensure candidates’ compliance with the right to adequate housing. 57. The Special Rapporteur hopes that a constructive dialogue with FIFA regarding these issues can be established in the near future. 57 58 16 Bidding process for the 2018 FIFA World Cup and the 2022 FIFA World Cup, Zurich, 2009. Ibid., pp. 1–2.