Saudi Arabia Officially Announced as 2034 World Cup Host, Human Rights Orgs Warn of ‘Unimaginable Human Cost’

FIFA has officially named Spain, Portugal, and Morocco as co-hosts for the 2030 Men’s World Cup, while Saudi Arabia will host the 2034 tournament. Both bids faced no competition, but Saudi Arabia’s selection has sparked the most controversy. Human Rights Watch (HRW) and Amnesty International have expressed concerns about migrant labor abuses, freedom of speech restrictions, and treatment of women in Saudi Arabia.
Saudi Arabia’s hosting bid is part of its broader Vision 2030, a strategy led by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) to diversify the economy and enhance its global image. The country has invested heavily in sports, including acquiring Premier League club Newcastle United and attracting stars like Cristiano Ronaldo and Neymar Jr. Hosting the World Cup is seen as a crown jewel in its strategy, with commitments to major infrastructure projects, including 11 new or renovated stadiums and 185,000 hotel rooms.
HRW’s report, “Die First, and I’ll Pay You Later,” highlights ongoing issues with the Kafala labor system, which ties workers to specific employers and leaves them vulnerable to abuse. Despite reforms, widespread problems such as withheld wages and forced labor persist. Press freedom and women’s rights remain restricted, with cases like activist Lina al-Hathloul’s family facing punitive travel bans. Saudi Arabia’s record 300 executions in 2023 has further drawn criticism.
FIFA categorized Saudi Arabia’s human rights risks as “medium,” citing potential positive impacts tied to Vision 2030 reforms. However, HRW and Amnesty have urged FIFA to delay the announcement until tangible human rights protections are implemented. Critics argue FIFA prioritizes financial and political goals over ethical considerations, pointing to similar controversies surrounding Qatar’s 2022 World Cup.
Amnesty’s Steve Cockburn believes FIFA failed to enforce its own human rights policies. Activists like Al-Hathloul, however, see an opportunity to push for change over the next decade, urging stakeholders to challenge Saudi Arabia’s government and encourage meaningful reform before 2034.
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