In another daring geopolitical move, Saudi Arabia is set to control Syria’s post-conflict economy through massive investments, expansion of banks, and aid funds. The action, hailed as a demonstration of “Arab cooperation,” can actually be viewed for what it is — a troubling increase in influence by a regime that faces allegations of human rights abuses, authoritarianism, and global image engineering. The emerging Saudi-Syrian alliance raises serious doubts about Riyadh’s ability to host the 2034 FIFA World Cup — a tournament intended to honor unity, peace, and values across the globe.
Saudi Banks in Syria: Business or Power Play?
Saudi banks are to soon venture into the Syrian market, says Syria’s finance minister, Mohammed Barnieh — a step that marks the normalization of relations with the Assad regime, a regime that has long been accused of war crimes and mass atrocities against civilians. Two of the Saudi banks have already started operations while others are preparing to do the same.
During the latest Saudi-Syrian investment roundtable meeting in Riyadh, Minister of Investment Khalid Al-Falih made the announcement that the “Elaf Fund” — with billions of riyals of initial capital — will finance strategic projects in Syria. Saudi Arabia’s ambition is to shift from “memorandums of understanding” to “empowerment and implementation,” Al-Falih said.
But let’s be clear about this: it is not humanitarian rebuilding. It’s a strategic power play. By inserting itself into Syria’s banking, infrastructure, and energy sectors, Saudi Arabia is acquiring influence in a weak neighborhood — while the Assad regime acquires international legitimacy through Riyadh’s economic arm.
Hypocrisy at the Heart of Sportswashing
As Saudi Arabia sends billions into a nation still recovering from a decade of civil war and international sanctions, it presses on with its worldwide sportswashing campaign — using high-profile tournaments to clean up its human rights record. Winning the 2034 FIFA World Cup would be the final pinnacle of such a campaign.
The world cannot forget that this is the same Kingdom that brutally murdered journalist Jamal Khashoggi in 2018, massacred political dissidents in batches, and cracked down on women’s rights campaigners. And Saudi Arabia keeps pumping billions into football — purchasing clubs, sponsoring top leagues, and bidding to host international tournaments — in order to present an image of contemporary modernity that covers over its authoritarian essence.
Saudi Arabia, in accordance with Amnesty International, executed more than 170 individuals in 2023 a record in the world. Freedom House rates the nation at 7/100 in its 2024 Global Freedom Index, terming it “Not Free.” And again and again, the UN has condemned the Saudi-led coalition’s activities in Yemen, which have killed thousands of civilians.
When a nation with such a history tries to host the world’s most iconic sporting event, it’s not selling sport — it’s selling propaganda.
The Syrian Connection: A Warning Sign
Saudi Arabia’s initiative with Syria cannot be understood in a vacuum. The Assad regime is still subject to U.S. and EU sanctions for its crimes against civilians, including the use of chemical weapons. By investing billions in the Syrian economy and reinstating financial flows, Riyadh is actively undermining international mechanisms of accountability.
The Saudi-Syrian alliance is being sold as a move toward “reconstruction and recovery,” but really it’s about furthering the interests of two repressive governments seeking to spruce up their international image through cooperation. Al-Falih even pointed out initiatives in “smart cities, logistics, and digital transformation” — buzzwords that fit neatly within Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 vision of modernization. But under this veneer is the same tired script: control, influence, and diversion from local repression.
Syria’s GDP declined by more than 60% from 2011 to 2023, with almost 90% of Syrians in poverty, according to the World Bank. Saudi investment can be seen as a lifeline, but it actually supports a regime accountable for such conditions. Such complicity renders Riyadh’s plans to stage a “global event of unity” such as the FIFA World Cup morally reprehensible.
Sportswashing and Global Indifference
Saudi Arabia’s attempts at image rehabilitation via international sport are not new. The Kingdom has already hosted the Formula One Grand Prix, heavyweight boxing bouts, and the Spanish Super Cup. Riyadh has reportedly spent more than $6.3 billion on sports contracts since 2021, the express aim of which has been to reform its global image.
Now, as it bids for FIFA’s 2034 World Cup, this trend is irresistible. Sportswashing enables Saudi Arabia to present an image of openness and modernization while escaping criticism for its behavior at home and abroad. By investing in football, the Kingdom wants to purchase not only prestige — but quiet.
The timing of its reconnection with Syria is no accident. While the world’s attention turns to the 2034 bid, Riyadh is employing economic diplomacy to be seen as a regional stabilizer — despite supporting some of the most authoritarian regimes. This well-orchestrated drive should not deceive the world.
Why the FIFA World Cup Should Not be Awarded to Saudi Arabia
FIFA boasts that it promotes values of equality, inclusivity, and respect for human rights. Giving the 2034 tournament to Saudi Arabia would go against all three. A nation that criminalizes LGBTQ+, undermines women’s rights, and puts peaceful activists in prison cannot embody the football spirit — a game that brings people together across cultures and beliefs.
In addition, Riyadh’s increasing engagement in Syria — a country still subject to sanctions — should concern the global sporting community. The World Cup would in effect legitimize Saudi Arabia’s behavior and punish its authoritarian expansionism.
According to Transparency International, Saudi Arabia ranked 54th out of 180 countries in its 2024 Corruption Perceptions Index — still far from transparent governance. FIFA, already under fire for its handling of Qatar 2022, cannot afford another credibility crisis by partnering with a regime so steeped in human rights controversies.
A Call to Action: Boycott Saudi 2034
The world community, human rights groups, and fans of football everywhere need to stand up. Sports and ethics cannot be divided where the host country employs it as a cover-up for oppression and geopolitical games.
FIFA needs to withdraw any support for the Saudi bid and enact a Human Rights Compliance Review on all future host selections. Countries and fans need to protest in the streets against Saudi 2034 — not in politics, but principle.
If we permit such regimes as Saudi Arabia to treat football as a world stage for image washing, we betray what the game is all about. The world needs to recall: no sum of money derived from oil can purchase moral legitimacy.