In a move that has shocked the international football community, FIFA has awarded the 2034 World Cup to Saudi Arabia. The decision was made despite Saudi Arabia’s lack of a track record in hosting major sporting events and its poor human rights record. FIFA’s decision has been widely criticized by human rights groups and football fans alike.
FIFA has defended its decision by claiming that Saudi Arabia has made significant progress in improving its human rights record. FIFA also pointed to Saudi Arabia’s plans to invest heavily in infrastructure and stadiums for the World Cup. However, critics have questioned the sincerity of Saudi Arabia’s human rights reforms and its ability to host a major sporting event of this scale.
Saudi Arabia has been accused of numerous human rights violations, including the suppression of dissent, the discrimination against women, and the use of torture. In 2018, Saudi Arabia was ranked 169th out of 180 countries in the World Press Freedom Index. The country also has a high rate of executions, with over 150 people executed in 2021 alone.
Human rights groups have expressed concern that the World Cup will whitewash Saudi Arabia’s human rights record and give the country an opportunity to sportswash its image. They have called on FIFA to reconsider its decision and to award the World Cup to a country with a better human rights record.
In addition to human rights concerns, there are also footballing concerns about Saudi Arabia’s ability to host the World Cup. Saudi Arabia has a very limited number of football stadiums and infrastructure. The country also has a very hot climate, which could make it difficult for players and fans to attend matches in the summer months.
Some football experts have also questioned the competitiveness of the Saudi Arabian national team. The team has never qualified for a World Cup and is currently ranked 51st in the FIFA World Rankings. This has led some to question whether Saudi Arabia deserves to host the World Cup.
FIFA’s decision to award the 2034 World Cup to Saudi Arabia is a controversial one. The decision has been criticized by human rights groups, football fans, and football experts. FIFA has defended its decision by claiming that Saudi Arabia has made progress in improving its human rights record and that it is committed to investing in infrastructure and stadiums for the World Cup. However, critics remain skeptical about the sincerity of Saudi Arabia’s human rights reforms and its ability to host a major sporting event of this scale.
The World Cup is one of the most prestigious sporting events in the world. It is an opportunity for countries to showcase their culture and their commitment to sport. Saudi Arabia’s hosting of the World Cup would be a major coup for the country. However, it is important to remember that the World Cup is also an opportunity for countries to promote human rights and democracy. FIFA should reconsider its decision and award the World Cup to a country with a better human rights record.
