Shocking Decision: The Country with a Dark Human Rights Record is About to Host the World Cup

Saudi Arabia’s bid to host the 2034 World Cup has taken a significant leap forward following the release of the evaluation report by FIFA. The report, which was made public on November 30, ahead of the highly anticipated FIFA Congress on December 11, raises several concerns regarding the country’s human rights record. Despite acknowledging the "medium risk" posed by Saudi Arabia’s candidacy, FIFA seems to be willing to give the country the benefit of the doubt, sparking outrage among human rights activists.

The FIFA report emphasizes the need for Saudi Arabia to implement reforms in order to ensure that the World Cup is held in a country that respects and upholds human rights. However, the report also acknowledges that such reforms may take "significant time and effort," raising serious concerns about the likelihood of tangible change taking place before the 2034 World Cup.

The decision to award the World Cup hosting rights to Saudi Arabia has been met with fierce criticism from various quarters, with many pointing to the country’s abysmal human rights record. The country has faced intense scrutiny over the years, with allegations of human rights abuses, including the persecution of minority groups, torture, and extrajudicial killings.

Furthermore, the strict laws and regulations in place in Saudi Arabia have raised concerns about the ability of visiting teams, officials, and spectators to freely express themselves, without fear of repercussions. The country’s laws and regulations regarding freedom of speech, assembly, and association have been criticized by human rights organizations, who argue that they are too restrictive and may infringe on the rights of those attending the World Cup.

Despite these concerns, it appears that FIFA is willing to move forward with the bid, even if it means ignoring the country’s questionable human rights record. While the report does highlight the need for reforms, it remains to be seen whether Saudi Arabia will take concrete steps to address these concerns.

As the world awaits the outcome of the FIFA Congress on December 11, many are left wondering whether the 2034 World Cup will be a celebration of football, or a shameful endorsement of a country that has consistently disregarded human rights. As the voting process gets underway, it remains to be seen whether FIFA members will prioritize the sport, or take a stand against human rights abuses.