Many groups are criticizing the choice that FIFA made, which is for the 2034 World Cup host to be Saudi Arabia. This is because there are many issues regarding the country.
FIFA chose Saudi Arabia to be the 2034 World Cup host on Wednesday, December 11, 2024. It will be the third World Cup tournament hosted in Asia, along with the 2002 World Cup in South Korea and Japan, and the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
Gianni Infantino, the President of FIFA, said that the world cup in Saudi Arabia “will be a spectacular event,” according to 90 min. Infantino has also said, “It’s unique, Saudi Arabia, a country that’s opening up to the world since a few years with an organization process which is fully on track and the FIFA World Cup will definitely be a catalyst there for social improvements and social change.”
Even though FIFA has been really positive about this decision, this decision has been criticized by many groups, including environmental campaigners and human rights groups.
One issue is that Saudi Arabia has a history of human rights violence. “In the country, women are heavily restricted in what they are allowed to do and it’s also illegal to be in a gay relationship.” BBC has said. Free expression is also limited and the treatment of migrant workers in the country has raised concern.
Since Saudi Arabia has put lots of money into sports like football, golf, and boxing, some campaigners are accusing the country of sportswashing. Sportswashing is when “a country or organization uses sport to help improve its international reputation and to stop people being negative about it.” BBC has said.
Regarding the accusation of sportswashing, Hammad Albawadi, who is in charge of Saudi Arabia’s bid, said “We’re not doing this to make a headline, we’re doing this for our people. We are a young nation seizing this opportunity and making the best out of it. We are investing to make sure that Saudis live longer and happier lives and that’s something that we’re very proud of,” when talking to Sky Sports, Sports Pro has said.
Regarding environmental issues, Saudi Arabia is the biggest exporter of oil. So, campaigners are saying that the country is adding to climate change through the industry of fossil fuels. Since the World Cup stadiums that are being built in Saudi Arabia are far away from each other, fans will have to use transportation to travel between one stadium to the next. This will increase the use of fossil fuels and will add to the affects climate change. However, the country said that “it is moving away from fossil fuels and trying to reduce emissions, and has said it isn’t using sport to distract from its record on sustainability,” according to the BBC.
Many people are saying that if Saudi Arabia is going to host the World Cup, it will have to be hosted in winter, since, during the summer, several regions in Saudi Arabia can reach over 40C. According to the BBC, the PA news agency is saying that if the World Cup is in winter, the World Cup will add to the football players’ already busy schedule, which is not good for the players.
“Why not see what the possibilities are to do it in the summer? Whether it is summer, or winter, it doesn’t matter for us, as long as we make sure that we [deliver] the right atmosphere to host such an event,” Prince Abdulaziz, Saudi sports minister, said, according to the BBC.
Overall, FIFA has pointed out that hosting the World Cup in Saudi Arabia will give more opportunities to the country and might be a big success, like the World Cup at Qatar has been.
Websites: