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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
World
Tom Levitt

Saudi Arabia’s 2034 World Cup bid to be ratified by Fifa despite rights violations

A fan of Saudi Arabia kisses a replica World Cup trophy.
A Saudi football fan with a replica World Cup. As sole bidder for the 2034 tournament, Saudi Arabia’s successful bid is likely to be confirmed this week. Photograph: M Ashton/AMA/Getty

Saudi Arabia’s hosting of the men’s World Cup in 2034 will probably lead to “severe and widespread rights violations”, say human rights organisations anticipating Fifa’s rubber-stamping of the Gulf state’s bid this week.

The country is the sole bidder for the tournament but has been heavily criticised for its treatment of mainly Asian and African migrant workers, who are crucial to its ability to build the new football stadiums and infrastructure necessary for running one of the world’s biggest sporting events.

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