Despite concerns over Saudi Arabia’s human rights record, football’s governing body has voiced confidence the kingdom can host the 2034 World Cup.
Amnesty International called the FIFA report an “astonishing whitewash.”
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FIFA report praises Saudi Arabia 2034 World Cup bid
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Despite concerns over Saudi Arabia’s human rights record, football’s governing body has voiced confidence the kingdom can host the 2034 World Cup. Amnesty International called the FIFA report an “astonishing whitewash.”
A group of men, including FIFA President Gianni Infantino (c, in suit) and Saudi Arabian Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (r) sit in a large room lit up in bright colors
FIFA and its President Gianni Infantino see no issue in working with Saudi Arabian Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman despite criticism of the Saudi leader’s rights record
FIFA, the world’s governing football body, released a report Saturday on Saudi Arabia’s bid to host the 2034 World Cup.
Saudi Arabia is the only nation seeking to host the tournament in 2034, and one whose de facto leader, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, is chummy with FIFA President Gianni Infantino.
FIFA’s report gave Saudi Arabia high marks, while assessing the kingdom’s bid as presenting “low” environmental and “medium” human rights risks.
Late last year, Saudi Arabia submitted its bid to host the 2034 tournament (which was only open to Asia and Oceania nations) — while Morocco, Spain and Portugal submitted a joint bid for 2030, with Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay also each slated to host one game during the centenary edition of the tournament.
The fate of Saudi Arabia’s bid, as well as that of the 2030 hosts, will be known on December 11, when a virtual meeting of FIFA’s 211 national football associations takes place.
