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FIFA Awards 2034 World Cup to Saudi Arabia Amid Criticism Over Human Rights and Bid Process

Dec 12, 2024, 09:35 AM

FIFA has officially confirmed Saudi Arabia as the host nation for the 2034 FIFA World Cup. The announcement was made by FIFA President Gianni Infantino on December 11, 2024. The tournament is expected to take place in stadiums across five Saudi cities. The decision has been met with criticism from human rights groups, including Amnesty International, which cited concerns over the country's human rights record, particularly regarding migrant and labor laws. Additionally, FIFA's bid process has been criticized by some football reporters as farcical. Fans have also expressed concerns about the scheduling of the tournament, which may not occur in the traditional summer months and could coincide with Ramadan, similar to the adjustments made for the Qatar 2022 World Cup. Despite the criticisms, Saudi Arabia's leadership and citizens have expressed enthusiasm, with celebrations in Riyadh featuring fireworks and a drone show. The 2034 World Cup is viewed as a significant achievement for Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in his efforts to use sports to attract tourists and build international influence.