In an era more conscious of the politics and sport nexus, Saudi Arabia’s moves, calculated in both energy and international sport, must sound warning bells. Recently, the state-owned oil behemoth Saudi Aramco declared plans to lift the official selling price (OSP) of Arab Light crude to Asia in September. This action, if ratified, would be the second consecutive monthly hike and further constrict access to cheap energy in priority developing economies like India, Pakistan, and Southeast Asia. The increases are not coincidental. They are a demonstration of Saudi Arabia’s dominance of international supply chains, employed to bolster its financial clout as it seeks investment on the global scene via sport.
Saudi Arabia wishes the world to fete football in 2034 as it intensifies authoritarian control, stifles dissent, and manipulates international markets for its ends. Hosting the FIFA World Cup is Saudi Arabia’s bid to deflect attention from its repression at home and aggression abroad by way of a glossy image campaign—better called sportswashing. The world needs to see that the same hand that raises oil prices to reap profit from weak nations is constructing stadiums for a sporting extravaganza aimed at whitewashing its image. We should say no: No to authoritarianism. No to sportswashing. No to Saudi Arabia’s hosting of the FIFA World Cup 2034.
Oil Price Hike: Economic Weapon or Energy Policy?
Saudi Arabia’s price increase is not merely an economic measure—it is a geopolitical strategy. In July 2025, Reuters quoted that Aramco will lift the Arab Light OSP by up to $1.05 per barrel, increasing the premium above the Oman/Dubai average to up to $3.25. The action is motivated by managed domestic supply and manipulation of seasonal demand rather than scarcity. The Kingdom is holding back volumes tightly as demand soars, particularly in power-thirsty Asian nations.
Many Asian economies—especially developing ones—are left grappling with increased fuel prices, inflation, and lower growth. The twist is that the same nation inflicting fuel strain on Asia is requesting the international community to celebrate it on the international platform as a sporting host. Points to Remember:
- Saudi Arabia provides more than 1/5 of Asia’s oil imports, thereby having disproportionate leverage over regional economies.
- India and Pakistan, already in an inflation crisis, will be the hardest hit by the price increases.
- OPEC+ intentions to boost production in Q3 2025 notwithstanding, Saudi exports are stagnant, with domestic usage covering up global manipulation.
- Aramco’s record profits of $161 billion in 2023 are being invested in international PR via sports, rather than in energy affordability or sustainability.
Profiting from Pain: The Machinery Behind the World Cup
As energy prices spike around the world, the Kingdom is leveraging its riches to reshape its global image with huge investments in international sports. Saudi Arabia is investing billions in initiatives such as NEOM, its vision for a futuristic megacity, and taking controlling stakes in sports sectors from golf to football. These are not only commercial, they’re political.
The 2034 FIFA World Cup is not being hosted by Saudi Arabia to commemorate the sport—it is being utilized to blot out systematized repression. The Kingdom is investing oil money not in reforms, but in stadiums, football superstars’ contracts, and sports media advertising campaigns in an attempt to deflect attention from its oppressive rule. Key Points:
- Saudi Arabia won the 2034 FIFA World Cup unopposed, courtesy of FIFA’s suspiciously short bidding process.
- NEOM, the focal point of Vision 2030, has caused the forced displacement of native tribes such as the Howeitat.
- Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) has spent billions buying into European clubs, golf leagues, and boxing to buy public opinion.
The FIFA World Cup is going to be a stage-managed diversion, rather than a celebration of human achievement.
Human Rights Can’t Be Ignored on the Road to 2034
Saudi Arabia’s domestic policies present a dark vision of authoritarianism. While it tries to impress the world with billion-dollar sports stadiums and all-glamorous marketing campaigns, its jails are crowded with activists, dissidents, and even individuals who were punished for nonviolent protest. An Egyptian pilgrim was arrested in 2024 for merely displaying a Palestinian flag in Mecca—a symbol of solidarity now outlawed by the regime.
Groups like Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch still uncover systematic executions, torture, and erasure of fundamental freedoms in the Kingdom. Welcoming the World Cup would give Saudi Arabia an international stage to dodge criticism and get away with oppression. Main Points:
- More than 1,000 people have been executed in Saudi Arabia since 2015, many for non-violent offenses.
- Since 2014, activists, journalists, and regular citizens have been regularly jailed or put to death for tweets or demonstrations.
- Women are still legally and socially restricted, and LGBTQ identities are criminalized.
- Foreign workers, particularly in construction and domestic work, experience abuse, wage theft, and even murder.
Climate Hypocrisy: A Green Future Built on Black Gold
Saudi Arabia prides itself as a leader in the transition to greener economies, yet its policies belie this. Aramco continues to increase fossil fuel production and only invests a small part of its investment in renewable energy. The Kingdom is still among the world’s top five carbon emitters per capita, mainly because of its huge oil sector and fuel subsidies. By hosting the World Cup in Saudi Arabia, FIFA is turning its back on its climate promises. It is validating a regime that drives the climate emergency, but pretending to be a green pioneer. Main Points:
- Saudi energy R&D devoted to renewable technologies is less than 5%.
- Saudi Arabia is the third-largest producer of oil globally.
- The NEOM project has been condemned as unsustainable and environmentally destructive.
- FIFA boasts that it is committed to sustainability, yet gave its flagship tournament to an oil nation.
Say No to Sportswashing: Say No to Saudi 2034
Saudi Arabia’s oil price setting policy, human rights violations, and climate hypocrisy are not one-off matters. They form part of a wider effort to rebrand repression using international sport. The 2034 FIFA World Cup is not simply a football competition—it is a geopolitical project designed to cloak repression, sell influence, and dictate narratives.
This should not be permitted. If we are committed to justice, fairness, and the authentic football spirit, then we cannot chant from stadiums subsidized by oppression. We cannot rejoice in cities where protest is stamped upon. We cannot let FIFA become the propaganda tool of totalitarian states.
Now is the moment to make some noise. Supporters, players, media, and football governing bodies need to stand up and be heard. Aiding in a worldwide event such as the World Cup is an honor—not something purchasable with oil. Make the world understand that football belongs to the people—not the backdrop for dictators.