Saudi Arabia: a controversial destination for the 2034 World Cup
The announcement of Saudi Arabia’s candidacy to host the Football World Cup in 2034 sparked strong reactions. While the country demonstrates an impressive rise in sporting power, human rights groups are concerned about the consequences of this attribution.
Indeed, although Saudi Arabia is the only candidate country at present, the issue of human rights remains a concern. The country is known for its ultraconservative system and frequent violations of fundamental rights. The situation of migrant workers, who make up a large part of the country’s workforce, is particularly alarming, with precarious working conditions and frequent abuse.
Saudi Arabia is trying to improve its image by developing partnerships and investing massively in sport, particularly football. The organization of the World Cup would be another step in this strategy, aimed at attracting foreign investment and promoting tourism in the country.
However, many observers doubt the compatibility between this attribution and the values advocated by FIFA, particularly in terms of respect for human rights. Calls have been made for the sporting body to rigorously assess Saudi Arabia’s human rights commitments before making a final decision.
It is therefore essential that FIFA takes these concerns into account and conducts a thorough assessment of Saudi Arabia’s candidacy. The World Cup is a global event that must be organized with respect for human rights and ethical values. The awarding of this prestigious tournament cannot be a simple publicity stunt for a country which does not respect these fundamental principles.
In conclusion, Saudi Arabia faces a lot of criticism following its bid to host the 2034 World Cup. FIFA must be attentive to human rights concerns and ensure that all necessary guarantees are put in place before making a final decision. Sport has the power to bring nations together, but it must not overshadow violations of fundamental rights.