New Delhi: When Saudi Arabia was announced as the host for the 2034 FIFA World Cup, my initial excitement quickly turned into concern. As someone who views football as a symbol of freedom and shared humanity, the decision felt contradictory to the sport’s essence. Football’s greatest tournament has always been a celebration of inclusivity and cultural diversity, bringing fans together regardless of their background. But hosting it in a country where fundamental freedoms are restricted raises unsettling questions about the alignment of FIFA’s values with those of its chosen host nation.
The World Cup goes beyond being just a tournament; it’s a worldwide celebration of unity. Fans worldwide cheer for their favourite teams, transcending borders and differences.
However, Saudi Arabia’s strict laws against LGBTQIA+ identities, its male guardianship system for women, and its suppression of dissent stand in stark contrast to the spirit of football. Can fans truly feel welcome in an environment that marginalises large sections of its population?
A lavish bid with unanswered ethical concerns
Saudi Arabia to host 2034 FIFA World Cup. (Image via @NoufAlAhmadi7 ‘X’)
Saudi Arabia’s blueprint for 2034 promises an extravagant spectacle. With 104 matches planned across 15 stadiums, including eight yet to be constructed, and a new 92,000-seat venue in Riyadh, the scale is impressive. Financially, projections exceed $240 million in revenue, aligning with the country’s Vision 2030 goals of economic diversification through sports and tourism. Yet, behind the glitz and grandeur, a concerning story begins to unfold.
FIFA’s decision to hand Saudi Arabia the hosting rights, especially with no competition and an unusually short bidding process, has raised eyebrows. The rushed timeline and Saudi Arabia’s pre-prepared proposal suggest a lack of transparency. Moreover, FIFA’s classification of the human rights risk as “medium” seems to downplay the challenges LGBTQIA+ fans and women may face.
The controversies surrounding recent tournaments add weight to these concerns. Qatar 2022 delivered thrilling football but was marred by reports of migrant worker exploitation and crackdowns on LGBTQIA+ visibility.
Russia 2018, too, carried its shadows of political propaganda. Now, with Saudi Arabia’s turn, it feels as though FIFA prioritises expansion and profit over creating an inclusive environment for all fans.
Sportswashing and football’s changing identity
Saudi Arabia to Transform Football with 2034 World Cup. (Screenshot taken from X/@Saudi2034)
Saudi Arabia’s investment in global sports isn’t limited to the World Cup. The country has spent billions to attract top athletes like Cristiano Ronaldo and Neymar, revolutionised professional golf with LIV Golf, and hosted major tennis and Formula 1 events.
These efforts are part of a calculated rebranding strategy — portraying Saudi Arabia as modern and progressive while its domestic policies tell a different story.
The parallels to historical regimes that used sports to improve their image are striking. Lavish spending, strict control of narratives, and the willingness of organisations like FIFA to overlook ethical issues paint a troubling picture. Once a symbol of freedom and unity, football risks becoming a tool for political and economic agendas.
For fans like me, this shift feels deeply personal. Football has always been about expression, individuality, and finding community. But the decision to award Saudi Arabia the 2034 World Cup makes me wonder if the game I love is being reduced to a business transaction, detached from its inclusive roots.
Saudi Arabia hosting the 2034 FIFA World Cup raises ethical questions about inclusivity and whether FIFA prioritises profit over the spirit of football. Fans worldwide are questioning if the tournament will be welcoming for all. Football Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
