The bidding process for the 2034 World Cup has been marred by controversy, with Saudi Arabia coming under fire from 11 human rights groups for what they describe as a „flawed“ bid. According to a report published by The New York Times, these groups have raised concerns about the country’s human rights record and its suitability to host such a prestigious event.
One of the key issues highlighted in the report is Saudi Arabia’s poor track record on human rights, including its treatment of women, migrant workers, and political dissidents. The country has faced criticism in the past for its restrictive laws on women’s rights, including the guardianship system which requires women to obtain permission from a male guardian for basic activities such as traveling or getting married.
Furthermore, Saudi Arabia has been accused of using migrant workers as virtual slaves, with reports of exploitation, abuse, and poor working conditions. The country has also faced criticism for its crackdown on political dissent, with activists and journalists facing harassment, imprisonment, and even death for speaking out against the government.
In addition to these human rights concerns, the report also raises questions about Saudi Arabia’s ability to host a major sporting event like the World Cup. The country has limited experience in hosting international tournaments, with the 2022 Dakar Rally being one of the few major events it has hosted in recent years.
Moreover, there are concerns about the country’s infrastructure and logistical capabilities, with questions being raised about its ability to accommodate the millions of fans and participants who would attend the World Cup. Saudi Arabia would need to invest heavily in building stadiums, transportation networks, and accommodation facilities to meet the requirements of hosting such a large-scale event.
Despite these challenges, Saudi Arabia has been actively campaigning for the 2034 World Cup bid, with the government pledging to invest billions of dollars in infrastructure and facilities to ensure a successful tournament. The country has also been working to improve its image on the international stage, with initiatives such as the Vision 2030 plan aimed at modernizing the economy and society.
However, the human rights groups behind the report remain skeptical of Saudi Arabia’s bid, calling on FIFA to carefully consider the country’s human rights record before awarding it the hosting rights for the 2034 World Cup. They argue that hosting the tournament in Saudi Arabia would send the wrong message and could potentially legitimize the country’s repressive policies.
As the bidding process for the 2034 World Cup continues, it remains to be seen how FIFA will respond to these concerns and whether Saudi Arabia will ultimately be awarded the hosting rights. The controversy surrounding the country’s bid serves as a reminder of the complex issues that can arise when politics, human rights, and sports intersect on the global stage.