Fifa hands 2034 World Cup to Saudi Arabia amidst human rights concerns
- Saudi Arabia has been awarded the 2034 World Cup, becoming the sole candidate for hosting the event.
- Human rights organizations criticize the decision, citing the country's poor record on migrant worker treatment.
- The outcome raises questions about FIFA's commitment to addressing human rights issues in its major events.
The decision to host the 2034 World Cup in Saudi Arabia has generated considerable controversy, particularly regarding human rights issues. FIFA's confirmation comes as part of a meeting where the only candidate for this prestigious sporting event was Saudi Arabia, following an expedited bidding process that left no room for competitors. Spain, Portugal, and Morocco were jointly awarded the 2030 World Cup, marking the first World Cup centenary celebration, hosted in the region where the tournament originated. In contrast, Saudi Arabia's successful bid was met with criticism from various human rights organizations, citing the kingdom's track record of abuses, especially concerning migrant workers. Migrants, who form a significant portion of the labor force in Saudi Arabia, often face dangerous working conditions and lack adequate protections under the current labor framework. The upcoming World Cup is projected to require substantial infrastructure developments, including the construction of new stadiums and accommodations that will heavily rely on migrant workers. Observers fear that the tournament could lead to severe rights violations, as seen in previous international events like the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, where similar allegations emerged amidst the preparations. The situation has raised alarms internationally, with some US senators urging FIFA to reconsider its decision, advocating for a host that better upholds human rights. Additionally, the UN's top human rights official pledged to oversee the treatment of migrant labor in Saudi Arabia, emphasizing the need for standards to be respected during the World Cup preparations. However, critics point out that the influence of FIFA president Gianni Infantino, who has fostered a close relationship with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, raises questions about the organization's commitment to human rights reform. Observers believe that this moment might serve as a critical opportunity to leverage advancements in labor rights, but this hinges on FIFA's willingness to exert pressure on Saudi Arabia. Lastly, the overarching theme of 'sportswashing' has emerged amid Saudi Arabia's ambition to improve its global image through sports, further complicating the narrative surrounding the World Cup. Critics allege that the kingdom is using the tournament to divert attention from its human rights record while attempting to showcase its modernization efforts. This complex interplay of sports, politics, and human rights will be crucial to monitor as the date of the tournament approaches, highlighting a significant moment in both football and global human rights advocacy.