FIFA World Cup 2034: Saudi Arabia’s Stance on LGBTQ+ Rights Controversy

The FIFA World Cup is a world sports event that symbolizes diversity, inclusivity, and unity. Irrespective of nationality, religion, gender, or sexual orientation, it unites people from every walk of life. FIFA’s choice to give Saudi Arabia the hosting rights for the 2034 World Cup, however, has raised major questions about LGBTQ+ rights. So, why boycott Saudi 2034 FIFA World Cup? There are endless reasons to support the argument. 

Saudi Arabia’s history of human rights abuses, prevailing societal views, and rigorous anti-LGBTQ+ statutes make it a poor venue for an all-encompassing gathering. This post, supported by legal proof, statistical evidence, expert opinions, and comparisons with past events, examines the reasons why Saudi Arabia is not a good venue for the FIFA World Cup 2034.

Legal Framework: LGBTQ+ Rights in Saudi Arabia

Among LGBTQ+ people, Saudi Arabia has some of the most severe laws. Same-sex unions under Islamic Sharia legislation are forbidden and subject to harsh sentences including jail time, public whipping, and, in the worst situations, capital punishment.

Death penalty for LGBTQ+ people:

Human Dignity Trust says Saudi Arabia is among the scarce nations where the death penalty could be used to punish same-sex partners’ misconduct. Amnesty International reports show that people have been jailed and penalized for being suspected of same-sex activity.

No Legal Protection:

• Being LGBTQ+ could lead to the death penalty in 11 countries, including Saudi Arabia.
• LGBTQ+ persons have no legal standing, and gender expression is seen outside of customary male-female norms.

Criminalization of Gender Identity

The state prohibits all forms of gender transition surgery or medical treatment, so transgender people encounter major legal peril. People who deviate from the official government norms in their gender identity face jail time and public scorn.

Societal Attitudes Towards LGBTQ+ People in Saudi Arabia

Even beyond legal constraints, societal views in Saudi Arabia are very much against LGBT+ people.

According to the 2016 World Values Survey,

• People from Saudi Arabia who would find a homosexual or lesbian neighbor most unpleasant constitute 46 percent.
• 35% thought that being LGBTQ+ ought to be criminal.
• Saudi Arabia has actively tried to quell all sorts of LGBTQ+ advocacy, quite unlike several other nations where social movements have advanced LGBTQ+ rights. No LGBTQ+ advocacy organizations are allowed to work inside the nation; any pro-LGBTQ+ messaging might be subject to harsh penalties.
• Deeply rooted societal prejudices like these seriously call into question the safety and acceptance of LGBTQ+ travelers at the 2034 World Cup.

FIFA’s Dedication to Inclusivity and LGBT+ Equality

FIFA has often said that it supports ideas of human rights, non-discrimination, and inclusivity. Granting Saudi Arabia the hosting rights for the World Cup, though, runs counter to its own rules.

FIFA’s Human Rights Policy

FIFA established in 2017 a Human Rights Policy including:

FIFA’s statute Article 3 reads as follows:

• Discrimination of any sort against a nation, individual, or group based on race, skin color, ethnic, national or social background, gender, disability, language, religion, political opinion, wealth, birth, or sexual orientation is prohibited and subject to suspension or expulsion.”
• FIFA is clearly saying that financial and political considerations trump human rights issues by giving the World Cup to Saudi Arabia.

Comparisons with Qatar 2022: A Warning Sign

The 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar offers an obvious reference point for questions regarding LGBTQ+ rights in the area. Several studies noted discrimination and repression although FIFA and Qatari officials promised safety and welcome to LGBTQ+ visitors.

• Security officers insulted LGBTQ+ fans for flying rainbow flags.
• To stay out of legal problems, same-sex couples were counseled to “conceal their identity.”

Multiple LGBTQ+ people were taken into custody and subjected to cruel treatment during the competition, Human Rights Watch stated.

Qatar’s pledges of tolerance were mostly ceremonial; there were no real legal safeguards for individuals in the LGBTQ+ community. Considering Saudi Arabia’s even harsher anti-LGBTQ+ laws, there is little cause to think the situation could be different in 2034.

International Backlash and Calls for Change

Multiple human rights organizations and advocacy groups have criticized FIFA for its selection since Saudi Arabia’s bid for the 2034 World Cup.

• Human Rights Watch labeled it a “betrayal” of FIFA’s own human rights promises.
• LGBTQ+ sports advocacy group Athlete Ally begged FIFA to rethink their decision to say that “Saudi Arabia would not be safe for LGBTQ+ players and fans.”
• Amnesty International asked FIFA to demand legal changes before letting Saudi Arabia on stage.
• Critique aside, FIFA has not shown signs of changing its mind.

The Dangers for LGBTQ+ Fans, Players, and Journalists

Unless Saudi Arabia alters its legislation before 2034, LGBTQ+ guests will be under great threat.

LGBTQ+ Fans Traveling to Saudi Arabia

• Human rights activists could face threats of arrest, jail, or expulsion.
• Legal issues could arise from public shows of same-sex affection (like holding hands).
• Many LGBTQ+ fans will just decide to stay away, hence producing an exclusionary competition.

LGBTQ+ Players and Teams

• Athletes who are LGBTQ+ could face prejudice or be forced to hide their nature.
• Diplomacies could be strained in countries with overt LGBTQ+ players (e.g., the United States, England, and Germany).
• Saudi Arabia may reject permitting LGBTQ+ athletes to compete, hence teams and FIFA face ethical issues.

LGBTQ+ journalists and activists

• Media personnel discussing LGBTQ+ topics could be censored, detained, or exiled.
• One could argue that reporting on LGBTQ+ abuse in Saudi Arabia contravenes once more state statutes and so carries legal penalties.
• These dangers establish a rude atmosphere contrary to the World Cup’s philosophy.

FIFA Corruption and Saudi Arabian Impact

With Saudi Arabia’s World Cup proposal, FIFA’s long history of corruption raises major worries about backdoor agreements and excessive influence. Critics contend that it is essential to boycott Saudi 2034 FIFA World Cup bid to ensure a successful event ahead. 

 FIFA’s choice to grant Saudi Arabia the 2034 event is hurried and not clear.

Uncontested Bid: After FIFA implemented regulations practically guaranteeing other countries would not fight, Saudi Arabia was the only one to bid for the 2034 FIFA World Cup. This makes us wonder about cooperation.

Abuses of Migrant Workers

Saudi Arabia depends significantly on migrant labor to develop infrastructure, so its handling of foreign employees has been broadly condemned.

• As in Qatar, Saudi Arabia follows a kafala (sponsorship) model that links workers to their employer, hence causing mistreatment, unpaid wages, and coerced labor.
• Reports show that several thousand laborers in Saudi Arabia have poor working conditions, including little legal cover, long hours, and unsafe working conditions.
• Tragic possibility: Qatar’s World Cup experienced thousands of migrant worker fatalities caused by dangerous conditions and extreme heat. If major World Cup construction projects go ahead without adequate workforce reforms, Saudi Arabia could face a somewhat similar scenario.

Sportwashing: Using Football to Cover Up Human Rights Abuses

The World Cup hosted by Saudi Arabia is viewed as a sportwashing effort to draw attention away from its human rights abuses.

Saudi Arabia has been aggressively spending on sports, including LIV Golf, Formula 1, and big football transactions, to get legitimacy. Allowing the government to present itself as a front-runner in sports and tourism globally is the hosting of the World Cup.

Saudi officials are famous for curbing criticism and media liberty. Any disparagement of the World Cup arrangements of the country could result in arrests, government suppression, or worse.

The emphasis on soccer and magnificent stadiums helps Saudi Arabia draw international attention away from its current suppression of human rights groups, women, and marginalized groups.

Torture and Unfair Trial

Saudi Arabia has been criticized for random detentions, cruelty, and unjust trials, therefore one of the world’s worst governments.

• Saudi Arabia punishes citizens with lashings, beheadings, and torture as well as public executions. Many had unfair trials; 81 people were killed in one day in 2022.
• Those who oppose Saudi rule—journalists, women’s rights activists, and political dissidents—are frequently jailed, tortured, or murdered.
• The ruthless murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi in 2018, supposedly arranged by the Saudi Crown Prince, emphasizes the willful neglect of the human rights of the government.

War Crimes and Hostilities in Saudi Arabia

• Rumors of war crimes resulting from Saudi Arabia’s military involvement in Yemen raise ethical issues about awarding the country a big international event like the World Cup.
• Saudi-led bombings in Yemen have claimed many civilian lives including children, and aimed at schools, clinics, and markets.
• One of the worst humanitarian catastrophes in the world, facing millions of people dying from famine and illness, has resulted from the embargo Saudi Arabia has put in place.
• Saudi forces have reportedly broken international laws using cluster bombs and other forbidden arms.

Saudi Arabia’s History of Human Rights Abuses and Absence of LGBTQ Rights

Beyond LGBTQ+ concerns, Saudi Arabia has a long record of human rights atrocities, so it is not fit to host a World Cup. Saudi Arabia ranked among the least free countries in the globe, with a score of just 7 out of 100 on the 2023 Global Freedom Index from Freedom House.

Uncertain detention and arbitrary arrest:

Human Rights Watch noted in 2021 many arrests of peaceful activists, some of whom were promoting LGBTQ+ and gender rights.

United States of America For its criminalization of free speech, the State Department highlighted Saudi Arabia in its 2023 Human Rights Report; bloggers and journalists were given sentences of many years in jail for government criticism.

Absence of Press Freedom:

• In the 2024 World Press Freedom Index by Reporters Without Borders, Saudi Arabia ranks 170 out of 180, therefore it is among the worst nations for journalists.
• Foreign correspondents reporting on LGBTQ+ rights during the World Cup could be subject to censorship, detention, or expulsion.
• Promising an “inclusive” World Cup in Saudi Arabia is not believable given this past. Before granting hosting rights to nations with very harsh regimens, FIFA should make sure human rights, including LGBTQ+ safeguards, are enforced.

The Economic Influence Behind FIFA’s Decision

More than inclusivity or human rights concerns, financial incentives mostly drove FIFA’s choice to give Saudi Arabia the 2034 World Cup.

Saudi Arabia’s Investment in Sports

• Including purchases in soccer, Formula 1, and golf, the Saudi government has spent more than $6.3 billion on international sports in the past four years (Global Sports Analysis, 2024).
• Owning Newcastle United, the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia has been fiercely vying to stage tournaments like the Club World Cup and Asian Cup.

Control Over FIFA:

• Raising worries that FIFA did not enable an honest bidding process, Saudi Arabia’s football federation landed the only bid for the 2034 World Cup.
• According to reports from The Guardian, FIFA’s management, including Gianni Infantino, has strong connections with Saudi authorities.

Past Controversies

• Forbes reports that another Gulf nation with anti-LGBTQ+ legislation, Qatar, spent more than 220 billion dollars on the 2022 World Cup, the most expensive tournament in history.
• Critics contend FIFA gives more weight to financial gain than ethical matters do, therefore flat-out ignoring human rights violations.
• By awarding Saudi Arabia the World Cup, FIFA is underlining the sportswashing of violations of human rights, therefore damaging the competition’s dedication to equality and inclusivity.

Potential Boycotts and Global Backlash

Letting Saudi Arabia stage the 2034 World Cup will very likely result in mass demonstrations, team boycotts, and fan boycotts.

National Teams May Opt Not to Compete:

Before the 2022 Qatar World Cup, many European football federations including Denmark, Norway, and Germany had threatened to boycott the event due to human rights abuses (BBC Sports, 2022).

Citing LGBTQ+ discrimination and the absence of media freedom, American and British members have expressed worries about Saudi Arabia’s hosting rights.

Supporters of LGBTQ+ Will Not Attend the Event:

Stonewall United Kingdom, an LGBTQ+ rights organization, says over 10% of soccer followers are LGBTQ+ or allies; many of them will not go to Saudi Arabia because of security issues.

Seventy-two percent of LGBTQ+ football fans in a 2023 poll indicated they would protest a World Cup held in a nation where homosexuality is outlawed (LGBTQ+ Fans for Equality Report).

Sponsors Under Stress:

• Though its anti-LGBTQ+ rules, major FIFA sponsors including Coca-Cola, Adidas, and Visa, were slammed in 2022 for backing the Qatar World Cup.
• Continuing to endorse FIFA’s 2034 choice exposes them to consumer boycotts by LGBTQ+ rights organizations globally and possible reputational damage.
• Unless these issues are solved, the 2034 World Cup could suffer a boycott movement akin to the 1980 Moscow Olympics, therefore hurting the competition’s reputation.

Alternative Hosts: More Inclusive and Safer Options

Rather than grant the 2034 World Cup to Saudi Arabia, FIFA could have selected a more inclusive and LGBTQ+-friendly nation.

Countries with Strong LGBT Rights:

• Some of the most permissive LGBTQ+ rights legislation in the world can be found in Germany, Australia, and the United Kingdom.
• Sweden, Canada, and New Zealand were among the top LGBTQ+-friendly countries according to the 2023 Rainbow Index.

Previously Successful World Cups in LGBTQ+ Friendly Nations

• Whereas the 2014 Brazil World Cup featured more inclusive policies for LGBTQ+ fans, the 2018 World Cup in Russia came under fire for human rights breaches.
• The first World Cup with LGBTQ+ protection policies included in the host agreements will be the 2026 FIFA World Cup (USA, Canada, Mexico).

Better sporting infrastructure

• Saudi Arabia is constructing stadiums quickly; Spain, the United States, and Australia already have first-class soccer facilities in place.
• Holding the competition in a democratic nation that respects human rights would be more in line with FIFA’s stated ideals of diversity and inclusion.
• If FIFA truly desires to foster inclusivity, it has to rethink its decision and guarantee the World Cup takes place in a country that embraces every fan, no matter their identity.

FIFA’s 2034 World Cup Decision: A Step Backwards for Equality and Inclusivity

Although awarding the 2034 FIFA World Cup to Saudi Arabia would seem to honor world unity and sportsmanship, it contradicts everything FIFA purports to support. The ruling is very unjust considering human rights abuses across the LGBTQ+ criminalization spectrum, economic manipulation, and possible boycotts.

Unless FIFA requires significant legal changes in Saudi Arabia, the 2034 World Cup is poised to become a sign of exclusion, repression, and double standards. Everyone, including followers, athletes, and reporters in the LGBTQ+ community, should be able to play football.