Saudi Arabia has been confirmed as the sole bidder to host the 2034 men’s World Cup, raising concerns over Fifa’s ability to fulfil its human rights commitments.
After Australia decided against a bid, having been given a 25-day window by Fifa to express interest when the deadline was brought forward unexpectedly to 4pm GMT on Tuesday, the prospect of a second World Cup in the Gulf within 12 years is all but a formality. The lack of a competitive tender and the alacrity with which the process has been conducted, however, have prompted alarm among human rights groups. Amnesty International called on Fifa to pull the plug if human rights commitments were not fulfilled.
