ZURICH: FIFA has officially named Saudi Arabia as the host of the 2034 Men’s World Cup.
Hosting rights were confirmed during FIFA’s virtual Congress after Saudi Arabia became the only bidder following the withdrawal of Australia from the race.
A crown jewel in Vision 2030
Hosting a World Cup falls right into line with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, led by Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman (MBS).
This is a completely transformative scheme that is expected to change a country that usually relies on oil toward other areas like sports and entertainment. The strategy will also open avenues for 70 per cent of the youth under 35 years in the country to spend more time doing activities promoting national pride instead of discontent.
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According to media reports, Saudi Arabia plans to host matches across 15 stadiums in five cities: Riyadh, Jeddah, Khobar, Abha, and Neom. The futuristic city in development Neom will house one of the most impressive venues across the kingdom that reflects the country’s ambitions in technology and architecture. It will host 48 teams-the first time for the World Cup- to open tournaments for that many teams by 2034, making it historic for the region.
‘Sportswashing’ accusations
Recently, the Saudi Arabia bid for the World Cup has drawn accusations of being just like Qatar’s in 2022; it is nothing more than sportswashing to hide the human rights abuses present in the country.
A FIFA report even flagged Saudi Arabia with a “medium” human rights risk. Consequently, the step became mandatory for FIFA after it divided the 2030 World Cup among other continents and left 2034 for Asia or Oceania, with the absence of the competition after Australia’s withdrawal.
Saudi Arabia sports empire
Saudi Arabia has heavily invested in sports, attracting stars like Ronaldo and Neymar, acquiring Newcastle United, and hosting major boxing and MMA events. LIV Golf, backed by the Public Investment Fund, is now merging with the PGA Tour. The 2034 World Cup is the crown jewel of these efforts, cementing the kingdom’s global sports ambitions.
