FIFA Bends Own Rules to Give Saudi Arabia the 2034 World Cup

FIFA has awarded Saudi Arabia the 2034 World Cup, a decision met with significant criticism over the bidding process and the country's human rights record. Critics argue FIFA changed its rules to favor the Saudi bid, leaving no serious contenders from Asia or Oceania.

The decision was finalized in an unusual vote conducted via Zoom, where FIFA members approved the 2030 and 2034 hosts as a package. Saudi Arabia's bid faced no competition after leveraging its vast resources and diplomatic ties to secure backing from 140 soccer federations.

Human rights groups have raised alarms about potential abuses of migrant workers who will build the infrastructure for the tournament. Saudi Arabia has promised reforms to its labor practices, but Amnesty International dismissed these claims as “whitewashing.”

The World Cup is part of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's vision to transform Saudi Arabia into a global sports hub. Critics see this as “sportswashing,” a strategy to improve the nation's image despite its controversial track record, including the 2018 murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi.

FIFA's decision also highlights the influence of authoritarian states in global sports. Analysts point out that less democratic nations can organize large-scale events with fewer obstacles, aligning with FIFA's preference for smooth execution over transparency.

Despite the controversy, millions of Saudi soccer fans are likely to celebrate the opportunity to host the world's biggest sporting event. The tournament is expected to further solidify the kingdom's position as a key player in international sports.