Saudi Arabia to Host the 2034 FIFA World Cup A Controversial Milestone  

Saudi Arabia is poised to be named the host of the 2034 FIFA World Cup, marking a significant milestone in the Kingdom's ambitious plans to establish itself as a global leader in sports. However, this announcement has drawn sharp criticism from human rights organizations, highlighting concerns about the potential human cost of hosting such a monumental event.  

A Strategic Bid  

Saudi Arabia’s bid is not an isolated effort but a strategic element of its Vision 2030 initiative, spearheaded by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. The Vision 2030 plan aims to diversify the nation’s economy and enhance its international stature through significant investments in various industries, including sports.  

The Kingdom’s focus on soccer has been particularly noteworthy. Investments through the Public Investment Fund (PIF) include acquiring a prominent English soccer club and attracting global football icons to the Saudi Pro League. Hosting the World Cup is seen as the pinnacle of these efforts, with plans to construct or renovate 11 stadiums and build 185,000 new hotel rooms to accommodate the event.  

Human Rights Concerns  

Despite the grand ambitions, human rights organizations have expressed grave concerns. A recent report by Human Rights Watch (HRW) underscores the potential exploitation of migrant workers involved in building the infrastructure required for the World Cup. Many of these workers operate under the “Kafala” sponsorship system, which has been criticized for enabling forced labor and other forms of exploitation.  

Press freedom, the treatment of minority groups, and women’s rights also remain critical issues. In a recent evaluation, FIFA categorized the human rights risk of Saudi Arabia’s bid as “medium,” citing progress and commitments under Vision 2030. However, activists argue that these assessments lack legitimacy, as independent human rights organizations are not permitted to operate freely in the Kingdom.  

The Sportswashing Debate  

The term “sportswashing” has been used to describe Saudi Arabia’s strategy of leveraging high-profile events to improve its global image. Critics argue that this approach deflects attention from ongoing human rights abuses. In response, Saudi officials assert that their investments are part of a broader effort to modernize the nation and foster positive change.  

Lessons from Qatar  

The criticism echoes concerns raised during the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, another Gulf nation accused of sportswashing. While FIFA highlighted Qatar’s progress in labor reforms, many activists remain skeptical of the long-term impact. Similar fears have been voiced regarding Saudi Arabia, with experts urging FIFA to ensure tangible improvements in human rights before finalizing the hosting decision.  

Calls for Accountability

Human rights groups, including Amnesty International and HRW, have urged FIFA to delay its announcement and push Saudi Arabia to enact substantial reforms. They argue that hosting the World Cup offers a unique opportunity to drive positive change, provided that the governing body prioritizes its stated values over financial and political interests.  

A Decade for Change  

With a 10-year lead-up to the tournament, advocates remain hopeful that international scrutiny and public discourse can encourage meaningful reforms in Saudi Arabia. Lina al-Hathloul, a prominent human rights activist, emphasized the importance of challenging the status quo to ensure a brighter future for the Kingdom’s citizens.  

The 2034 FIFA World Cup presents an opportunity to celebrate the world’s most popular sport. However, it also serves as a test for FIFA’s commitment to human rights and the global community's willingness to demand accountability. Whether this event becomes a catalyst for positive change or a missed opportunity remains to be seen.