23 December 2024

Two years after World Cup In Qatar, where human rights have been called into question, FIFA will repeat the same model a decade from now.

The organization announced on Wednesday that it will host the 2034 World Cup Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Saudi Arabia was the only country to submit an offer before the deadline of October 31, 2023.

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FIFA logo on the flag

The FIFA logo on a banner before the Qatar 2022 World Cup semi-final match between France and Morocco at Al Bayt Stadium on December 14, 2022, in Al Khor, Qatar. (Feigenhaus/Getty Images)

Qatar hosted the tournament last year, which Argentina won, and the country has for years faced allegations of rights abuses of migrant workers needed to build its stadiums.

However, FIFA and Saudi officials said hosting the 2034 tournament could accelerate change, including greater freedoms and rights for women, with FIFA President Gianni Infantino on Wednesday describing the World Cup as a “unique catalyst for positive social change and unity.”

The win will begin a decade of scrutiny of Saudi labor laws and the treatment of workers needed to help build and upgrade 15 stadiums, hotels and a transport network ahead of the 104-match tournament.

During the candidacy campaign, FIFA agreed to a limited audit of Saudi Arabia's human rights record, which was widely criticized this year at the United Nations.

World Cup

A man takes a selfie in front of the oversized FIFA World Cup trophy, which stands in front of Khalifa Stadium in Qatar. (Peter Knevel via Getty Images)

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Saudi and international human rights groups and activists have warned FIFA that it has not learned lessons from Qatar's much-criticized preparations to host the 2022 World Cup.

“At every stage of the bidding process, FIFA has shown that its commitment to human rights is a sham,” said Steve Cockburn, head of labor rights and sport at Amnesty International, adding that it was “reckless” to host Saudi Arabia. Cockburn also said that “many lives” would be “at risk”.

Performance in the World Cup

The pre-match ceremony before the Qatar 2022 FIFA World Cup Group E match between Costa Rica and Germany at Al Bayt Stadium on December 1, 2022, in Al Khor, Qatar. (Marcus Gilliar/GES Sportfoto/Getty Images)

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The Saudis have immersed themselves in the world of sports through the Public Investment Fund, which financially supports LIV Golf. Cristiano Ronaldo, who said in a post by Achieving $75 million annually.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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