Saudi Arabia’s bid to host the 2034 FIFA World Cup has been classified as “medium risk” regarding human rights, according to FIFA’s evaluation report released on Saturday. The report acknowledges the Kingdom’s ambitious plans but underscores the significant efforts required to align with international human rights standards. This evaluation comes ahead of the FIFA Congress set for December 11, where votes will finalize the hosts for both the 2030 and 2034 World Cups.
Strong Infrastructure but Human Rights Concerns
As the sole candidate for 2034, Saudi Arabia’s bid has impressed FIFA with its comprehensive infrastructure plans and commercial potential. Scoring an average of 4.2 out of 5 in FIFA’s technical evaluation higher than the United States, Canada, and Mexico’s joint bid for the 2026 World Cup the proposal highlights the Kingdom’s readiness to leverage its vast resources to deliver a memorable tournament.
However, FIFA’s report notes that implementing the necessary reforms to address human rights issues could require “significant effort and time.” These concerns stem from Saudi Arabia’s track record, where international organizations have often criticized the Kingdom for its treatment of migrant workers, women’s rights, and freedom of expression.
The report does acknowledge the potential for the World Cup to act as a “catalyst” for ongoing reforms in Saudi Arabia, offering opportunities to advance human rights within the country and the broader region. “There is good potential that the tournament could serve as a catalyst for some of the ongoing and future reforms,” the report states, emphasizing the positive impact such a global event could bring.
Parallels with Qatar 2022
The concerns surrounding Saudi Arabia’s bid echo controversies that surrounded Qatar’s hosting of the 2022 World Cup. Human rights groups had criticized Qatar over the treatment of migrant laborers, restricted freedoms, and the suppression of dissent. Despite these challenges, Qatar’s tournament spotlighted labor reforms and broader regional issues.
Saudi Arabia could face similar scrutiny, especially given its ambitious plans to construct several stadiums and infrastructure projects that are yet to be realized. FIFA’s evaluation also points out that holding the tournament in the Kingdom’s scorching summer months, where temperatures in Riyadh average above 40°C (104°F), could necessitate a winter World Cup, similar to Qatar 2022.
FIFA’s Balancing Act
FIFA’s decision to classify Saudi Arabia’s bid as medium risk reflects a balancing act between recognizing the Kingdom’s capabilities and addressing legitimate concerns about human rights. Football’s governing body has been keen to emphasize that hosting the World Cup presents an opportunity for reform, but such progress would require robust and transparent measures.
The report also underscores that FIFA’s Human Rights Advisory Board will closely monitor the Kingdom’s efforts to meet its commitments. Saudi Arabia, for its part, has been positioning itself as a global hub for sports and entertainment, investing heavily in initiatives such as LIV Golf and its recent acquisition of high-profile football players for its domestic league.
Global Implications
The World Cup’s potential return to the Gulf region underscores FIFA’s global expansion strategy and its pursuit of markets with robust financial resources. However, the Kingdom must contend with mounting scrutiny from international human rights organizations, which are likely to intensify their campaigns as the event approaches.
While FIFA lauds the potential for positive change, skeptics argue that tangible reforms must precede such high-stakes events to ensure the safety and dignity of all participants and stakeholders.
With Saudi Arabia the sole bidder for the 2034 tournament, attention will likely shift to how the Kingdom addresses FIFA’s concerns and whether it can deliver not only on infrastructure but also on its commitments to human rights. The December 11 FIFA Congress will mark the next step in this journey, setting the stage for what could be a transformative period for Saudi Arabia and football.
