The announcement that Saudi Arabia will host the 2034 FIFA World Cup has stirred significant controversy, raising concerns over human rights, worker conditions, and the influence of political and economic factors in the decision-making process.
While FIFA’s selection of the Kingdom has been celebrated by some, there is no shortage of opposition from human rights organizations and critics who question the suitability of Saudi Arabia to host such a prestigious global event. Here’s a closer look at the reasons why the Saudi 2034 World Cup remains controversial.
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FIFA’s Whitewash of Saudi Arabia’s Human Rights Record
FIFA’s evaluation of Saudi Arabia’s bid for the 2034 World Cup has come under intense scrutiny. Despite scoring a record 4.2 out of 5 — the highest in the history of World Cup bidding — critics argue that the evaluation glosses over the Kingdom’s well-documented human rights abuses. Steve Cockburn, Amnesty International’s head of labor rights and sport, described the assessment as a “whitewash” of the country’s “atrocious human rights record,” highlighting concerns over worker exploitation, political repression, and the treatment of women and LGBTQ+ individuals.
Cockburn emphasized that there are “no meaningful commitments” from Saudi Arabia to prevent the mistreatment of workers or activists during the preparation for the tournament. “By ignoring the clear evidence of severe human-rights risks, FIFA is likely to bear much responsibility for the violations and abuses that will take place over the coming decade,” Cockburn warned.
The Absence of Competition: How Saudi Arabia Was Left Standing Alone
One of the key reasons why Saudi Arabia’s bid was left unopposed is FIFA’s controversial regulations that prevent countries from hosting consecutive World Cups within the same confederation. With the 2026 World Cup already scheduled to be hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada, the only eligible countries left in Asia and Oceania were Saudi Arabia and Australia.
Australia, after initially showing interest in hosting the 2034 World Cup, withdrew from the bidding process in October 2023, citing the high costs and a desire not to anger other countries in the Asian Football Confederation (AFC). Without a viable rival, Saudi Arabia’s bid was essentially unchallenged, allowing the Kingdom to secure the tournament by default.
Football Australia CEO James Johnson admitted that their decision was based on the uncertainty of the bidding process and the challenges of striking necessary agreements with stadiums in such a short timeframe. As a result, the absence of competition meant Saudi Arabia stood alone as the sole bidder.
Worker Exploitation: A Looming Crisis
The issue of migrant worker rights in Saudi Arabia is perhaps the most troubling concern surrounding the 2034 World Cup. Saudi Arabia’s labor market relies heavily on migrant workers, with 42% of the population being foreign-born. These workers are crucial for carrying out the extensive construction projects required to prepare for the World Cup, but their rights have long been a point of contention.
Reports of illegal recruitment fees, wage theft, unsafe working conditions, and exposure to extreme heat have sparked global outrage. Human Rights Watch has highlighted the plight of migrant workers in Saudi Arabia, where allegations of modern-day slavery at major construction sites have raised alarm bells. This mirrors concerns raised before the Qatar 2022 World Cup, where similar accusations of worker exploitation surfaced.
A recent report revealed that in the first half of 2024 alone, nearly 900 Bangladeshi workers died in Saudi Arabia under questionable circumstances. While the Saudi government has made reforms to its labor laws, critics argue that the exploitation of workers is still rampant, with insufficient protections for those involved in preparing the infrastructure for the 2034 World Cup.
The Political Agenda: Vision 2030 and Saudi Arabia’s Global Ambitions
Beyond the sporting realm, Saudi Arabia’s bid for the 2034 World Cup is seen as part of a larger political strategy led by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. The Vision 2030 plan, which aims to diversify the Kingdom’s economy away from fossil fuels, positions sport as a central pillar in transforming the country’s global image. Hosting the World Cup will serve as a crowning achievement for this ambitious vision, helping to reshape Saudi Arabia’s international reputation and offer opportunities for investment and tourism.
However, many view this as an attempt to “sportswash” the country’s poor human rights record, using high-profile events like the World Cup to deflect criticism and draw attention away from its domestic and international controversies.
The Legacy of Qatar 2022: Is Saudi Arabia Heading in the Same Direction?
The controversy surrounding the Saudi 2034 World Cup is reminiscent of the issues faced during the Qatar 2022 World Cup, particularly with regard to labor rights and the treatment of marginalized groups. While Qatar also faced intense criticism for its human rights violations, FIFA chose to focus on the “football” aspect of the tournament, urging federations to disregard these concerns. Many fear that the same narrative will be repeated in Saudi Arabia, where significant human rights challenges remain unresolved.
FIFA has stated that it will engage with the International Labour Organisation (ILO) to ensure the protection of workers’ rights during the tournament. However, given the country’s track record, critics remain skeptical of FIFA’s ability to enforce meaningful reforms and guarantee the safety and well-being of those involved in the event.
A World Cup Tainted by Controversy?
While the 2034 World Cup promises to be a spectacular event, with Saudi Arabia’s vast financial resources and ambitious infrastructure projects, the tournament is overshadowed by unresolved human rights issues. FIFA’s evaluation of the bid has been criticized for ignoring these pressing concerns, and the World Cup’s potential to be tainted by exploitation and political maneuvering remains high. As the tournament approaches, the world will be watching to see whether Saudi Arabia can deliver a World Cup that is as just and inclusive as it is grand.
FAQs
Why is Saudi Arabia hosting the 2034 World Cup?
Saudi Arabia was awarded the 2034 World Cup after Australia withdrew its bid, leaving Saudi as the sole contender. The country is using the event to boost its Vision 2030 initiative, which aims to diversify its economy and improve public health through sports.
What human rights concerns have been raised about Saudi Arabia hosting the World Cup?
Human rights groups have criticized Saudi Arabia for its treatment of migrant workers, women, and the LGBTQ+ community. The country’s human rights record, including the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, has raised significant concerns ahead of the tournament.
How did FIFA rate Saudi Arabia’s World Cup bid?
FIFA gave Saudi Arabia’s bid a score of 4.2/5, the highest in its history, citing its ambitious vision for the future of FIFA World Cups. However, this has been met with backlash due to the country’s human rights issues.
Why was there no competition for Saudi Arabia’s 2034 bid?
FIFA’s regulations state that after a World Cup host, no other country from the same continental football federation can bid for the next two tournaments. With the U.S., Canada, and Mexico hosting in 2026 and a joint bid for 2030, Saudi Arabia was the only eligible candidate.
What are the concerns about migrant workers in Saudi Arabia ahead of the 2034 World Cup?
Migrant workers in Saudi Arabia face severe exploitation, including illegal recruitment fees, wage theft, and poor working conditions. Despite some reforms, such as changes to the kafala system, human rights organizations worry these issues will worsen as the country prepares for the World Cup.
