FIFA Faces Pressure to Rethink Saudi Arabia's 2034 World Cup Bid Amid Human Rights and Transparency Concerns

FIFA is facing mounting pressure to rethink its likely decision to award Saudi Arabia the hosting rights for the 2034 World Cup. This comes as human rights groups, advocacy organizations, and some fans are voicing concerns about Saudi Arabia's human rights record, the fairness of FIFA's selection process, and the implications of hosting another World Cup in the Middle East, following Qatar’s hosting in 2022. Here’s a breakdown of the key issues that critics are raising:

Concerns Over Human Rights in Saudi Arabia

Human rights organizations, including Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, are worried about Saudi Arabia’s record on human rights. They argue that the country restricts freedom of speech, lacks gender equality, and does not protect workers' rights. For example, laws in Saudi Arabia limit women’s rights, restrict LGBTQ+ freedoms, and impose harsh penalties on those who criticize the government. These organizations are calling on FIFA to consider these issues carefully, as they believe the World Cup should reflect values of unity and inclusivity, not bolster the image of a country with ongoing rights abuses.

Questions Surrounding FIFA’s Selection Process

Another issue is the transparency of FIFA’s selection process. Initially, Australia was also a candidate for the 2034 World Cup, but it withdrew from the race after FIFA expressed strong enthusiasm for Saudi Arabia. Many see this as a sign that the competition wasn’t truly open and that FIFA had already made up its mind. For FIFA, this perceived favoritism could harm its credibility, especially since the organization has previously faced accusations of corruption and favoritism. Critics argue that a more open, transparent selection process would protect FIFA’s reputation and improve public trust.

Sportswashing Concerns

Some critics worry that Saudi Arabia might use the World Cup for "sportswashing," which is when countries use major sporting events to improve their image on the world stage and deflect attention from domestic and international controversies. In recent years, Saudi Arabia has been investing heavily in sports, from Formula 1 and LIV Golf to signing international soccer stars and supporting sports clubs. Critics argue that hosting the World Cup could distract from ongoing human rights issues in Saudi Arabia, creating a polished image without addressing underlying problems.

A Call for Change in FIFA’s Selection Criteria

The current debate over the 2034 World Cup is prompting calls for FIFA to set stronger criteria for selecting host countries, including specific requirements related to human rights. Advocacy groups want FIFA to establish enforceable guidelines to ensure that future hosts meet standards for basic rights and freedoms.


FIFA’s decision on the 2034 World Cup could set a significant precedent. Awarding the tournament to Saudi Arabia may lead to questions about whether FIFA values inclusivity and equality in its global events. However, if FIFA decides to re-evaluate its choice and encourage a fairer bidding process, it could demonstrate a commitment to transparency and uphold the values it promotes. The world will be watching closely, as this decision may reveal whether FIFA is driven more by profit or by principle and whether the World Cup can truly inspire positive change.