The 2034 FIFA World Cup will be hosted in Saudi Arabia, according to a recent FIFA announcement. After Australia withdrew, Saudi Arabia became the only country in the running to host the global event. If the country still has to finalize its application file and go through a vote, this news has sparked many reactions.
Saudi Arabia is a country seeking to diversify its economy and stand out on the international stage. Thus, the organization of the Football World Cup would be an opportunity for the kingdom to promote sport and attract more foreign tourists. In recent years, the country has invested considerable sums in football and other sports such as Formula 1, golf and boxing. These investments have helped attract football stars like Cristiano Ronaldo, Neymar and Karim Benzema.
However, the decision to award the World Cup to Saudi Arabia is not without raising questions and criticism. The country is regularly accused of human rights violations, particularly with regard to freedom of expression, gender inequalities and the rights of LGBTQ+ people. Additionally, the assassination of journalist Jamal Khashoggi in 2018 also cast a shadow over the country’s reputation. Some human rights activists say the awarding of the World Cup to Saudi Arabia is proof of FIFA’s hypocrisy on human rights issues.
Another important question concerns the country’s climate. Saudi Arabia is known for its extremely high temperatures in summer. However, Saudi authorities say they are ready to face all possibilities and use cooling technologies in stadiums. Some cities in the country, such as Abha, Taif and Al-Baha, enjoy a more temperate climate in summer, which could be advantageous for hosting matches.
Despite the controversies surrounding the awarding of the World Cup to Saudi Arabia, many in the country are rejoicing at the news. They consider this a testament to the country’s past efforts and successes in the field of sport. Some also emphasize the symbolic importance of organizing this event for the entire Arab world.
In conclusion, the hosting of the 2034 FIFA World Cup in Saudi Arabia raises both hopes and criticism. Beyond sport, this decision highlights the issues linked to human rights and the country’s climatic conditions. It is now up to Saudi Arabia to prove its ability to organize a global event while respecting the rights of all.