How Saudi Arabia Secured the 2034 World Cup
Saudi Arabia has emerged as the sole candidate to host the 2034 FIFA World Cup, after Australia withdrew its bid in October 2023. The decision was announced by FIFA president Gianni Infantino on his Instagram account, without any formal confirmation from the member associations. Infantino praised Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 reform plan, which aims to diversify the economy and promote sports and entertainment. He also said that the next two editions of the World Cup would be hosted in Africa (Morocco) and Europe (Portugal and Spain), with three celebratory matches played in South America (Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay) in 2030.
The announcement came as a surprise to many football officials and fans, who expected a more transparent and competitive bidding process. Saudi Arabia had already faced criticism for its human rights record, its involvement in the Yemen war, and its alleged role in the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi. Moreover, the kingdom has to build 10 new stadiums to meet FIFA’s requirements, which could raise environmental and social concerns similar to those faced by Qatar, the host of the 2022 World Cup.
Why Saudi Arabia Wants to Host the World Cup
Saudi Arabia’s bid for the 2034 World Cup is part of its ambitious strategy to boost its global image and influence. The kingdom has invested heavily in sports and entertainment, acquiring stakes in clubs like Newcastle United and Paris Saint-Germain, hosting events like Formula One and boxing matches, and launching a new regional football competition called the Arab Cup. The crown prince Mohammed bin Salman, who is the driving force behind these initiatives, sees sports as a way to attract foreign investment, tourism, and cultural exchange. He also hopes to use sports as a soft power tool to counter Iran’s influence in the region and improve relations with Western allies.
Hosting the World Cup would be the ultimate achievement for Saudi Arabia, as it would showcase its modernization efforts and its passion for football. The kingdom has a large and young population that loves the sport, and has produced some talented players like Yasser Al-Qahtani and Salem Al-Dawsari. The World Cup would also create economic opportunities and social benefits for the country, such as job creation, infrastructure development, and women empowerment.
What are the Implications for Football Governance
Saudi Arabia’s unopposed bid for the 2034 World Cup has exposed the flaws and failures of football governance at the highest level. Many observers have questioned FIFA’s credibility and integrity, as it seems to have favored Saudi Arabia over other potential candidates, without any consultation or scrutiny. FIFA has also been accused of being influenced by political and financial interests, rather than by the best interests of the game and its stakeholders. Some critics have suggested that FIFA’s decision was motivated by Saudi Arabia’s support for Infantino’s controversial plans to expand the Club World Cup and create a new biennial World Cup.
The lack of competition and transparency in the bidding process has also raised concerns about the future of football democracy and diversity. Some fear that Saudi Arabia’s bid will set a precedent for other authoritarian regimes to host mega-events without regard for human rights or environmental standards. Others worry that hosting rights will become increasingly concentrated in a few wealthy and powerful countries, leaving behind smaller and poorer nations that may have more to offer in terms of football culture and history.
The situation has also highlighted the need for reform and accountability in football governance, both at FIFA and at regional confederations. Many have called for more involvement and representation of players, fans, clubs, leagues, and civil society groups in decision-making processes. Others have demanded more oversight and regulation of FIFA’s activities and finances, as well as more independent and impartial mechanisms to resolve disputes and grievances.
Saudi Arabia’s bid for the 2034 World Cup has sparked a lot of debate and controversy about football governance and its implications for the global game. While some see it as an opportunity for positive change and development, others see it as a threat to football values and principles. The bid has also revealed the challenges and complexities of organizing such a massive event in a changing world, where political, economic, social, and environmental factors have to be taken into account. The bid has also shown that football is not just a sport, but a powerful force that can shape societies and cultures.
