The news that Saudi Arabia will be hosting the 2034 FIFA World Cup has triggered international controversy, triggering fierce opposition from human rights groups, democracy activists, and dismayed sports supporters. The world’s greatest sporting event should stand for unity, parity, and equal competition—not be utilized as a mechanism for sportswashing by regimes with abysmal human rights reputations.
Saudi Arabia’s latest economic news and its financial market woes betray the fragility of its foundations, and its human rights record, environmental recklessness, and transparency deficiency render it incapable of hosting a tournament of this global importance.
The Saudi Economic Mirage:
Saudi Arabia has marketed itself as a modernizing sports and entertainment center, but under the sheen of mega-projects is economic vulnerability. The Saudi Tadawul All Share Index closed slightly lower at 10,885.58 on August 18, 2025, down by 11.81 points (0.11%). The MSCI Tadawul Index declined by 0.14%, an indicator of investor scepticism. Of the 252 companies traded, 148 lost ground while a mere 104 moved forward—a stark indicator of inconsistency.
This is not a one-off event. The Saudi market has been lagging behind other G20 economies, with foreign direct investment (FDI) flows decreasing by almost 60% between 2016 and 2022 (UNCTAD World Investment Report). While Saudi Arabia is proud of its Vision 2030 plan, it is still heavily dependent on oil revenues, as oil accounts for 42% of GDP and 70% of export revenues (World Bank, 2024).
When staging a World Cup costs between $15 billion and $220 billion (Qatar spent an estimated $220 billion in 2022), Saudi Arabia’s weak economy brings sustainability, exploitation of workers, and debt reliance into serious doubt.
Sportswashing Through Football:
Hosting international sporting events has been Saudi Arabia’s plan to transform its international perception. In the last couple of years, the Kingdom has spent big money on Formula One, golf (LIV Golf), boxing, and football by acquiring the English club Newcastle United. These actions are not only about sport; they are calculated efforts to take the spotlight off its human rights abuses.
Amnesty International has consistently cautioned FIFA against letting authoritarian regimes host tournaments with impunity. Saudi Arabia boasts one of the worst human rights records in the world:
- Human Rights Watch reports that at least 147 individuals were executed in 2022, numerous ones after unjust proceedings.
- Freedom House ranks Saudi Arabia “Not Free” consistently, with only an 8/100 rating on freedom markers worldwide.
- Women still face systemic discrimination despite partial reforms, including restrictions under the male guardianship system.
- LGBTQ+ rights are non-existent, with homosexuality punishable by imprisonment, flogging, or even death.
The World Cup, which should celebrate inclusivity and diversity, would instead be staged in a country where LGBTQ+ fans risk arrest for expressing their identity and where women face restrictions on basic freedoms.
The exploitation of Migrant Workers
in Qatar 2022 was already tainted by reports that 6,500 migrant workers have died (The Guardian, 2021) related to stadium and infrastructure development. Saudi Arabia, which has almost the same labor system, could repeat the same tragedy.
The economy of Saudi Arabia depends significantly on foreign labor. Of its population of 36 million, 13.4 million are foreign workers (Saudi General Authority for Statistics, 2024). Most of them are employed under the abusive kafala (sponsorship) system, which has been globally criticized by labor organizations for facilitating forced labor, passport seizure, and exploitation.
Environmental Hypocrisy:
The FIFA World Cup must have values of climate action and sustainability. Saudi Arabia, on the other hand, is one of the highest per-capita emitters of CO2 globally and has an emission level of 17.5 metric tons per capita per year (Global Carbon Atlas, 2023).
While declaring its “Saudi Green Initiative,” the Kingdom is also increasing production of oil and investing billions in fossil fuel facilities. Constructing gigantic stadiums in the desert will require gargantuan resources, water desalination, and air conditioning, additionally adding to climatic harm.
Suppression of Dissent and Lack of Press Freedom.
Football lives on open expression, media exposure, and people’s involvement. Saudi Arabia has none of those.
- It is ranked 166th among 180 nations on the Reporters Without Borders Press Freedom Index (2024).
- The brutal killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi in 2018 highlighted the dangers of dissent under Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s rule. Journalists, activists, and even ordinary citizens risk imprisonment for criticizing the government.
How can FIFA justify awarding its most celebrated tournament to a nation where even tweeting against the government could land someone in jail?
A Political Tool, Not a Football Celebration:
Granting Saudi Arabia the 2034 World Cup is not about football—it is politics. Just as Russia 2018 and Qatar 2022 were accused of being statesmen’s agendas, the Saudi tournament will be another propaganda campaign.
Rather than celebrate the beauty of football, the tournament would be employed to whitewash Saudi Arabia’s reputation. Billions will be invested in glitzy stadiums, high-end hotels, and fan parks, while institutionalized oppression goes on behind the scenes.
Global Opposition Is Growing.
The choice has already been challenged. Rights organizations like Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, and Football Supporters Europe have urged FIFA to reverse Saudi Arabia’s candidacy. A worldwide petition to prevent Saudi Arabia from hosting has more than 1 million signers in just months.
Additionally, football supporters across the globe are more mindful of sportswashing strategies. Surveys conducted by YouGov in 2023 found that 67% of European fans do not want authoritarian regimes to host the World Cup, with Saudi Arabia in particular mentioned as a nation not worthy of hosting.
Why Saudi FIFA World Cup Ban Is Needed
Saudi Arabia’s sagging stock market and weak economy, epitomized by its 0.11% fall in the Tadawul index on August 18, 2025, might appear as fleeting dips, but represent profound instability. Added to an abysmal human rights record, environmental disregard, exploitation of workers, and repressive authoritarianism, the Kingdom fails every test the World Cup host must pass.
The 2034 FIFA World Cup must be banned from Saudi Arabia. To give them this tournament would be to reward repression, exploitation, and hypocrisy. The world must stand up—not only for football, but for the values that it stands for.
If FIFA is serious about fair play, diversity, and human rights, it must do so now. The beautiful game is better than this.