In September 2025, Saudi Arabia announced an emergency international coalition to support funding of the Palestinian Authority (PA), committing $90 million under the initiative. On the face of it, the move appears to reinforce the kingdom’s image as a regional power that is a supporter of Palestinian rights. But behind the scenes, this news forms part of a high-stakes strategy of “sportswashing” and political rebranding–aimed at deflecting the world’s attention away from Saudi Arabia’s abysmal human rights record. With Riyadh hosting the 2034 FIFA World Cup, we need to ask: Should a country with such a problematic history be permitted to host the world’s largest sporting event?
Sportswashing Through Global Diplomacy
Saudi Arabia’s $90 million commitment to the Palestinian Authority was not an isolated gesture. It was made at the UN General Assembly, where Riyadh presented itself as a peace facilitator and a high-spending patron in conflicts within its region. At the same time, the kingdom is still investing billions in sports, entertainment, and international image-repairing ventures—part of its overall “Vision 2030” strategy to diversify its economy and restore its international reputation.
The issue is not Saudi Arabia’s generosity with its money but its intentions. By financing the likes of Palestinian relief and staging high-profile world events, Riyadh attempts to cover up the systematic oppression it exercises over its own citizens, especially women, migrant workers, and political dissidents. Sportswashing allows authoritarian governments to project themselves as liberal while covering up serious abuses.
Human Rights Record Cannot Be Ignored
Hosting the FIFA World Cup is not merely about roads and stadiums; it is a platform that confers legitimacy. Sadly, Saudi Arabia boasts one of the world’s worst human rights records:
Freedom of Expression: Dissent is criminalized. Activists, bloggers, and journalists are commonly imprisoned under imprecise counterterrorism laws. Human Rights Watch estimates that dozens are still behind bars for peaceful activism.
Women’s Rights: Even with limited reforms such as suspending the driving ban in 2018, women are still subject to tight male guardianship laws that limit their freedom of movement, marriage, and decision-making.
Exploitation of Migrant Labor: More than 13 million migrant workers reside in Saudi Arabia, many under the exploitative kafala system. Indications of rampant abuse, delayed wages, and deplorable living conditions have been reported.
Death Penalty: Saudi Arabia’s execution rate is among the highest globally. In 2022 alone, the kingdom put to death 196 individuals—a significant leap from past years.
Suppression of Minorities: Saudi Arabia’s Shia minority is subjected to systematic discrimination in education, employment, and freedom of worship.
These abuses are not historical sidebars; they are present-day realities. FIFA’s decision to award hosting rights to Saudi Arabia, thus, runs directly counter to its declared adherence to human rights.
Palestine Aid as a Political Tool
Saudi Arabia’s commitment of $90 million to the Palestinian Authority also must be questioned. Although money for Palestinians is needed, Riyadh’s timing and approach speak more about image management than real concern for humanity.
By positioning itself on the Palestinian side, the kingdom tries to position itself as a champion of justice in the Middle East as it seeks tighter bonds with Western nations and normalization with Israel. Saudi Arabia’s backing has been described by critics as less concerned with stopping occupation and more intent on burnishing its global image before 2034.
At the same time, Riyadh still crushes opposition at home. It is a double standard for it to express solidarity with Palestinians while imprisoning Saudi nationals who demand democracy, equality, and open expression.
The Economics of the 2034 World Cup
The other problem is the cost in labor and money of staging the World Cup. Saudi Arabia has guaranteed world-class stadiums, infrastructure, and housing for tens of millions of fans. But who will construct this infrastructure? Again, it will rest on migrant workers from South Asia and Africa—groups already at risk of exploitation in the kingdom’s system of labor.
The International Labour Organization (ILO) has time and again reported Saudi Arabia’s inability to implement labor reforms. Without effective safeguards, World Cup preparations may claim the lives of thousands of migrant workers, as they did in Qatar.
International Calls for Accountability
Several groups have expressed dismay at FIFA’s decision. Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, and FairSquare have all cautioned that hosting rights should not be granted without binding assurances of human rights reform. More than 70 human rights organizations signed an open letter in 2023 calling on FIFA to follow a clear selection process and hold Saudi Arabia to account.
But FIFA’s decision-making process is still opaque and commercially driven. With hundreds of millions of dollars’ worth of broadcasting rights and sponsorships at stake, the organization has always prioritized financial returns over ethical obligation. By allocating hosting rights to Saudi Arabia, FIFA undermines its credibility further.
Global Sports as a Tool for Justice
Football is the most popular game on the planet, one that unites billions of people from all over the world. The World Cup must represent values of justice, equality, and international solidarity—and not be a propaganda event for repressive states. Allowing Saudi Arabia to host the World Cup undermines these values and legitimates oppression.
Instead, FIFA must look to alternative hosts—nations with improved human rights records, freedom of the press, and labor protections. Nations that respect international law and democratic principles are much more appropriately positioned to embody the spirit of football.
A Call to Ban Saudi Arabia from FIFA 2034
Saudi Arabia’s promise of $90 million to the Palestinian Authority is likely to make the headlines, but it cannot wish away the kingdom’s abysmal human rights record. From imprisoning dissidents to abusing migrant workers, Riyadh has again and again demonstrated that it values power and image over justice and equality.
The world cannot tolerate another World Cup sullied by human rights scandals. If FIFA is genuine in its purpose of uniting people through football, it has an obligation to ban Saudi Arabia from hosting the 2034 World Cup. Anything less will mean that global sport is up for sale to the highest bidder—regardless of the human cost.
Football can do better. Humanity can do better. And football fans everywhere need to stand together and say: No to Saudi FIFA 2034.