In a surprising development, FIFA has released a glowing technical report on Saudi Arabia’s bid to host the 2034 World Cup, awarding it a higher score than the successful 2026 joint bid by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The move has raised concerns among human rights advocates, who fear that the global football governing body may be prioritizing grandiose stadium projects over ethical considerations.
Saudi Arabia’s Ambitious Stadium Plans
According to FIFA’s bid evaluation report, Saudi Arabia’s 2034 World Cup proposal received an overall average score of 4.2 out of 5, surpassing the 4.0 achieved by the 2026 North American bid. This is despite the fact that eight of the stadiums included in the Saudi bid have yet to be constructed, with completion not expected until 2032.
The report praised the “ambitious” and “unique” nature of the planned Saudi stadiums, such as the 92,760-seat King Salman International Stadium in Riyadh and the Neom Stadium located within the futuristic megacity project dubbed ‘The Line’. However, FIFA acknowledged that these innovative designs could pose “unknowns or challenges” in terms of operations.
Concerns Over Feasibility and Human Rights
While FIFA expressed confidence in Saudi Arabia’s ability to deliver the stadium projects on time, some experts have questioned the feasibility of completing such massive undertakings within the proposed timeframe. The Neom development, in particular, has faced skepticism due to its sheer scale and the need to implement untested technologies.
Moreover, human rights organizations have urged FIFA to halt the bidding process unless Saudi Arabia announces major reforms. The kingdom has long faced criticism over its treatment of migrant workers, restrictions on freedom of expression, and discrimination against women, among other issues.
“FIFA must not allow Saudi Arabia to sportswash its appalling human rights record through the glamour of hosting a World Cup,” warned a spokesperson from Amnesty International.
Saudi Commitments and Voting Controversy
In response to these concerns, the Saudi bid included commitments to respect and protect human rights in areas such as labor rights, non-discrimination, and freedom of expression. However, critics argue that these pledges lack credibility given the country’s track record.
The FIFA Congress is set to vote on the 2030 and 2034 World Cup hosts next month, with Saudi Arabia being the lone bidder for the latter tournament. This has led to accusations that the outcome is a foregone conclusion, despite the controversies surrounding the bid.
As the football world awaits FIFA’s final decision, the debate over balancing sporting spectacle with human rights and ethical standards looks set to intensify. Will the allure of state-of-the-art stadiums and lavish hosting plans triumph over concerns for the welfare of workers and citizens? The coming weeks will prove pivotal in determining the future direction of the world’s most popular sport.
