FIFA Approves Saudi Arabia 2034 World Cup Bid Despite Human Rights Concerns
FIFA has approved Saudi Arabia bid to host the 2034 Men World Cup, despite raising concerns about human rights risks in the oil-rich kingdom. The governing body’s 110-page evaluation, released on Saturday, highlighted several challenges related to the country’s infrastructure projects, labor conditions, and potential human rights violations.
The inspection report noted that while Saudi Arabia’s bid for the tournament presented “significant opportunities for positive human rights impact,” it also faced “medium risk” due to the massive construction efforts required to build new stadiums and hotels. FIFA assessment cautioned that significant time and investment would be needed to meet international standards, especially after the issues raised during the 2022 World Cup in neighboring Qatar.
FIFA acknowledged that Saudi Arabia’s plans for a 48-team, 104-game tournament would require substantial efforts to ensure compliance with workers’ welfare systems, including promises to work with the International Labour Organization (ILO). However, concerns remain about the treatment of migrant workers and the “kafala” sponsorship system, which ties workers to their employers, limiting their rights. Human rights groups like Amnesty International have criticized FIFA for “whitewashing” the kingdom human rights record.
The evaluation also raised logistical questions regarding the tournament timing. The 2034 World Cup is scheduled to take place in November and December, but this coincides with Saudi Arabia’s hosting of the Asian Games in December and the holy month of Ramadan, which runs from mid-November to mid-December. FIFA’s report also noted the challenges of climate control, as the tournament will rely heavily on air travel between five proposed host cities: Riyadh, Jeddah, Al Khobar, Abha, and Neom.
Despite these issues, FIFA’s financial outlook for the tournament is optimistic, citing Saudi Arabia’s “strong commercial position” and the extensive hospitality arrangements proposed for the event. The kingdom’s oil giant, Aramco, signed a sponsorship deal with FIFA earlier this year, with more commercial agreements expected in the lead-up to the tournament.
On December 11, FIFA will formally ask 211 national soccer federations to approve Saudi Arabia bid for the 2034 World Cup, which has no competition after a fast-track bidding process began last year. The decision is expected to be rubber-stamped during an online meeting without a detailed vote. If approved, the 2034 World Cup will be the first to be held in Saudi Arabia and only the second in the Middle East, following Qatar’s controversial hosting of the 2022 World Cup.
