FIFA chooses Saudi Arabia as 2034 World Cup hosts
FIFA oficially confirmed that Saudi Arabia will serve as host for the 2034 men’s football World Cup on Wednesday.
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Saudi Arabia to host 2034 FIFA World Cup
FIFA President Gianni Infantino revealed the decision during a virtual congress.
More than 211 FIFA member federations applauded as they confirmed both the 2030 and 2034 World Cups by acclamation, each having received only a single bid.
The participating nations gave their votes by “acclamation” – clapping in front of their cameras via their video links.
“We are bringing football to more countries and the number of teams has not diluted the quality. It actually enhanced the opportunity,” Infantino said about the 2030 World Cup.
“The vote of the congress is loud and clear.”
Saudi Arabia was the sole bidder for the 2034 edition of the tournament.
“This is a historic moment for Saudi Arabia and a dream come true for all our 32 million people who simply love the game,” said Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki bin Faisal Al Saud, the president of the Saudi Olympic and Paralympic Committee.
“The Kingdom is on a remarkable journey of transformation under Vision 2030 and today is another huge step forward that reflects and celebrates our progress while looking ahead to an even brighter future.
FIFA celebrating 100 years
Meanwhile, FIFA has announced that Spain, Portugal, and Morocco will jointly host the 2030 World Cup.
Additionally, three matches of the 2030 tournament will take place in Argentina, Paraguay, and Uruguay to commemorate the tournament’s centennial year.
Uruguay was also the host of the inaugural 1930 World Cup final, held a century earlier.
“What better way to celebrate the 100th anniversary in 2030 than to have the World Cup in six countries, in three continents, with 48 teams and 104 epic matches,” Infantino said about the 2030 World Cup.
“The world will stand still and will celebrate the 100 years of the World Cup.”
“Congratulations to all the bidders for putting up a great dossier, but I would like to put on record my big, big thank you to the six confederation presidents and to their teams.”
Controversy behind Saudi Arabia hosting World Cup
onversely, Amnesty International criticized the decision to award the 2034 World Cup to Saudi Arabia, citing concerns over the country’s human rights record.
“Fifa’s reckless decision to award the 2034 World Cup to Saudi Arabia without ensuring adequate human rights protections are in place will put many lives at risk,” said Amnesty International’s head of labour rights and sport, Steve Cockburn.
“Based on clear evidence to date, Fifa knows workers will be exploited and even die without fundamental reforms in Saudi Arabia, and yet has chosen to press ahead regardless.
“The organisation risks bearing a heavy responsibility for many of the human rights abuses that will follow.”
The Danish Football Union (DBU) demanded Fifa to oversee human rights improvements.
The Swiss FA also urged FIFA and the International Labour Organization to monitor human rights.
Norway chose to abstain due to “concerns regarding the current FIFA World Cup bidding process.”
The country denies accusations of human rights abuses.
Meanwhile, Infantino responded to criticism the organisation has received over the decisions.
“We are aware of critics and fears and I fully trust our hosts to address all open points,” he said.
“We have a transparency that will shape real and lasting change. That is what we expect and what we look forward to – social improvements and positive human rights impacts.”
“That is one of the responsibilities of hosting a World Cup, and the world will of course be watching.”
