FIFA gives Saudi Arabia highest bid score despite human rights concerns

Saudi Arabia's impending confirmation as the host for the 2034 World Cup by FIFA has raised significant concerns regarding the human rights record in the oil-rich kingdom. The FIFA evaluation report, which came out recently, awarded Saudi Arabia a remarkable score of 4.2 out of 5, the highest ever granted to a World Cup bid. Questions around human rights emerged again, as the assessment described the human rights risk associated with this tournament as 'medium,' despite noting that substantial reform would be necessary to mitigate various issues, particularly concerning migrant workers. FIFA's report suggested that the tournament has the potential to catalyze positive changes in human rights conditions within the country. In its evaluation, FIFA noted challenges like the construction of 15 new stadiums and infrastructure projects necessary for the event. Some of the stadiums are still in the planning stages, with significant construction yet to be completed. These large-scale projects, combined with high temperatures in the summer months, are critical factors as FIFA considers the timing of the tournament. Traditionally held in June or July, the tournament's timing is likely to be adjusted to ensure suitable weather conditions for teams and spectators, with January emerging as a proposed month for the tournament. This situation echoes the precedent set by the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, which also faced similar concerns regarding labor rights and extreme weather. Moreover, the connection between FIFA officials and Saudi Arabia raises questions about the integrity of the bidding process. Several FIFA member federations have established partnerships with the Saudi football federation, suggesting deeper ties that may influence the decision-making process. The report included commitments from Saudi Arabia's bid to uphold international human rights but failed to address several critical factors such as LGBTQ+ rights, worker exploitation, and freedom of expression explicitly. Amnesty International condemned FIFA for what it termed an 'astonishing whitewash' of Saudi Arabia’s human rights abuses, emphasizing that these concerns cannot be ignored as the country prepares to host the prestigious event. As the decision date approaches, the outcome will not only affect Saudi Arabia's global image but also the larger conversation around sports, governance, and human rights. The hosting of the World Cup is not just a sporting event but a platform for countries to showcase their commitment to reform. The implications of this decision extend far beyond the pitch, as international scrutiny on Saudi Arabia’s human rights practices intensifies. The outcome could either foster necessary dialogue and change within the kingdom or reinforce a troubling status quo that continues to draw criticism from human rights advocates worldwide.