Saudi Arabia: Human rights groups warn of ‘unimaginable human cost.
FIFA has officially announced the hosts for the next two men’s World Cups, with Spain, Portugal, and Morocco jointly hosting the 2030 tournament and Saudi Arabia securing the 2034 edition. The decisions were largely expected, as both tournaments had only one bid each, but the latter selection has sparked significant controversy.
The 2034 World Cup in Saudi Arabia has drawn criticism from human rights organizations, including Human Rights Watch (HRW). Michael Page, HRW’s deputy director for the Middle East and North Africa, warned of the unimaginable human cost tied to hosting the world’s biggest sporting event in the Gulf nation. Concerns center around documented abuses of migrant workers, restrictions on freedom of speech, and the lack of rights for women and minority groups in the country.
Saudi Arabia’s bid is part of its broader strategy to use sports as a vehicle for international influence, a practice often referred to as sportswashing. The Gulf state has already hosted high-profile sporting events, including Formula 1 races, boxing matches, and golf tournaments, as it seeks to reshape its global image and diversify its economy under Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s Vision 2030 plan.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino has defended the decision, emphasizing the potential for the tournament to bring global attention and progress to host nations. Football has the power to unite and drive positive change,” Infantino has previously stated, although critics argue that FIFA’s track record on holding host countries accountable for human rights improvements is inconsistent at best.
Human rights advocates are urging FIFA to implement stringent measures to protect vulnerable groups and ensure accountability during the preparation and execution of the tournament. Key recommendations include establishing independent oversight committees, enforcing compliance with labor and human rights standards, and creating grievance mechanisms for affected workers.
The spotlight is particularly sharp on Saudi Arabia, given the global criticism surrounding the treatment of migrant workers in Qatar during the 2022 World Cup. While Qatar introduced labor reforms ahead of the tournament, activists claim that many issues persisted, raising concerns that Saudi Arabia could follow a similar path without sufficient scrutiny.
As the 2034 tournament draws closer, FIFA faces mounting pressure to ensure the World Cup serves as a platform for meaningful change rather than a tool to deflect criticism of human rights abuses. The world will be watching not only the matches but also how the event impacts the lives of those in Saudi Arabia.
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