The host country of the 2034 World Cup will eventually be Saudi Arabia despite controversy over human rights and schedules
Dec 12, 2024
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On the 12th (Korea time), FIFA voted on the agenda of selecting the venue for the 2030 and 2034 World Cup at an extraordinary general meeting in which 211 member countries participated via video conference. As is already known, the 2030 competition will be jointly hosted by three countries, Spain-Portugal in Europe and Morocco in Africa, and the 2034 competition will be held in Saudi Arabia.
In the case of the 2030 tournament, FIFA selected the three countries as co-hosts at the council meeting in October last year. In addition, in order to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the World Cup, Uruguay, Argentina, and Paraguay in South America have also decided to play one game each, and tournaments will be held in six countries on three continents. Following the 2026 competition, which is joined by the U.S., Canada and Mexico in North and Central America, more than three countries will co-host it for the second consecutive competition. The 2030 tournament will be held at Estadio Centenario in Montevideo, Uruguay, where the first tournament match was held 100 years ago.
The 2034 tournament was also virtually confirmed to be held in Saudi Arabia. Australia and Indonesia, which initially announced their intention to co-host the event, pulled out, and Saudi Arabia remained the sole candidate. In October last year, Indonesia declared its support for Saudi Arabia, and Australia also expressed its intention not to host the tournament.
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Some criticize that it is a "sportswashing" to wash away the image of women's rights and press oppression, but Saudi Arabia's "oil money" has already become the mainstream of world soccer. Saudi Arabia has poured astronomical money into bringing superstars such as Cristiano Ronaldo and Neymar to its league. FIFA, which is sensitive to money, sided with Saudi Arabia as expected. Saudi Arabia has promised active investment.
Naturally, there were voices of criticism. Steve Coctburn, director of labor rights and sports at the human rights organization Amnesty International, pointed out that `The FIFA's reckless decision to give Saudi Arabia the right to host the 2034 World Cup without adequate human rights protection would put many lives at risk.'
Saudi Arabia will be confirmed, and the World Cup is expected to be held once again in winter. The 2022 Qatar Games, which were held in the Middle East for the first time in history, were also held from November to December of that year due to the climate. However, Saudi Arabia has already hosted the 2034 Summer Asian Games and is scheduled to be held from November 29 to December 14, so the World Cup is likely to be held in January at the beginning of the year. A stumbling block was the opening of the Winter Olympics in Salt Lake, USA, in February 2034, when Christophe Dubey, the IOC's chief director, said earlier this month that `at this stage, there will be no major problems with the Winter Olympics and the World Cup at the same time. From all perspectives, including commercial aspects, there is virtually no risk.'
Europe, which was also opposed to the suspension of the ongoing season during the last Qatar Games, is again raising its voice of dissatisfaction. Football Supporters Europe Group also said "The day football truly lost its mind"
vanbasten@sportschosun.com
