Global soccer governing body FIFA has officially announced the hosts for the next two men’s World Cups. Spain, Portugal, and Morocco have been named joint hosts of the 2030 World Cup, while Saudi Arabia has been awarded the 2034 edition. Saudi Arabia's bid for the World Cup is part of a wider push to invest in sports as part of Saudi Vision 2030, a project aimed at diversifying the economy.
Saudi Arabia has made significant investments in various sports, including soccer, by acquiring clubs like Newcastle United and attracting star players like Cristiano Ronaldo and Neymar Jr. The country's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has developed a close relationship with FIFA President Gianni Infantino, facilitating Saudi Arabia's involvement in the sport.
However, concerns have been raised by human rights groups regarding Saudi Arabia's treatment of migrant workers, press freedom, LGBTQ+ rights, and women's rights. Despite reforms announced by Saudi Arabia, issues such as the Kafala sponsorship system and lack of press freedom persist.
FIFA's evaluation of Saudi's bid categorized the human rights risk as 'medium,' acknowledging the potential for positive impacts but also highlighting ongoing concerns. Human rights organizations have called on FIFA to ensure reforms are implemented before awarding the tournament to Saudi Arabia.
Similar issues have arisen in previous World Cups, such as in Russia and Qatar, with criticisms of 'sportswashing' and human rights violations. While FIFA has included human rights in its bidding process, concerns remain about the implementation and effectiveness of these measures.
Amidst debates about the impact of hosting major sporting events on human rights, stakeholders emphasize the importance of genuine intentions to bring about positive change. The World Cup has the potential to drive reforms, but only if there is a commitment to upholding human rights standards.
