Saudis Awarded 2034 World Cup in Uncontested Vote

On June 14th, 2023, FIFA’s Congress voted unanimously to award the 2034 FIFA World Cup to Saudi Arabia. This marks the first time the tournament will be held in the Middle East.

A Controversial Decision

The decision to award Saudi Arabia the World Cup has been met with widespread criticism. Human rights groups have raised concerns about the country’s poor human rights record, including its treatment of women, LGBTQ people, and migrant workers. There are also concerns about the country’s climate, which is not ideal for playing soccer in the summer months.

Despite these concerns, FIFA President Gianni Infantino defended the decision, saying that Saudi Arabia “has a real passion for football” and that the tournament will help to “develop the game in the region.”

What’s Next for Saudi Arabia?

Saudi Arabia will now have to begin preparing to host the World Cup. This will involve building new stadiums, infrastructure, and accommodations. The country will also need to address the concerns raised by human rights groups.

The 2034 World Cup is still a long way away, but it is already shaping up to be a controversial event.

Different Perspectives on the Issue

There are a variety of different perspectives on the decision to award Saudi Arabia the 2034 World Cup.

Conclusion

The decision to award Saudi Arabia the 2034 World Cup is a controversial one. There are valid arguments to be made both for and against the decision.

Ultimately, it is up to each individual to decide whether or not they believe that Saudi Arabia is a suitable host for the World Cup. However, it is important to be aware of the concerns that have been raised about the country’s human rights record and climate.

Reflection on the Broader Implications

The decision to award Saudi Arabia the 2034 World Cup has broader implications for the future of FIFA and the World Cup itself.

It is a sign that FIFA is willing to overlook human rights concerns in order to expand its reach into new markets. It also raises questions about the future of the World Cup as a tournament that is open to all countries.

Only time will tell what the long-term consequences of this decision will be.