Official announcements from international human rights bodies or FIFA

Saudi Arabia Wins 2034 World Cup Bid, Raising Human Rights Concerns

Dec 11, 2024, 02:41 PM

FIFA has officially announced Saudi Arabia as the host nation for the 2034 men’s World Cup, marking a significant milestone in the kingdom's sports investment strategy led by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. The decision was made during the FIFA Congress meeting, which also confirmed Morocco, Spain, and Portugal as hosts for the 2030 World Cup, with Uruguay, Argentina, and Paraguay hosting celebratory games. Saudi Arabia's selection as the sole bidder for the 2034 tournament has sparked concerns among human rights organizations regarding labor rights, freedom of expression, and the treatment of the LGBTQ+ community in the country. The announcement comes amidst Saudi Arabia's massive spending on global sports, aiming to enhance its international image.