FIFA’s Controversial Decisions: Awarding the 2030 and 2034 World Cups
The international football governing body, FIFA, has announced the host nations for the 2030 and 2034 World Cups, sparking widespread controversy and criticism. The 2030 tournament will be jointly hosted by Spain, Portugal, and Morocco, with three additional commemorative matches held in Uruguay, Argentina, and Paraguay to mark the centenary of the first World Cup held in Uruguay in 1930. The 2034 World Cup will be hosted by Saudi Arabia, a decision met with significant concern due to the country’s human rights record, particularly regarding migrant workers.
The decision to award the 2030 World Cup to a tri-continental bid is unprecedented and has been viewed by some as a strategic maneuver by FIFA to clear the path for Saudi Arabia’s 2034 bid. FIFA’s rotation policy effectively eliminated bids from Europe, Africa, South America, and North America (due to the 2026 World Cup being hosted by the USA, Canada, and Mexico), leaving only Asia and Oceania as contenders for 2034. Saudi Arabia swiftly announced its candidacy shortly after FIFA unveiled its plan for a multi-continent 2030 World Cup.
While the joint Spain, Portugal, and Morocco bid offers an exciting prospect for football fans, it is not without its own set of controversies. Amnesty International has raised concerns about human rights issues in all three nations, citing risks related to labor rights and the vulnerability of migrant workers. In particular, Morocco, anticipated to undertake extensive construction projects, including a massive new stadium in Casablanca, faces scrutiny. Amnesty International highlights concerns about inadequate labor laws, forced evictions, and the potential for exploitation and trafficking of migrant workers.
Adding to the complexity of the 2030 bid, Morocco also faces questions concerning press freedom and LGBTQ+ rights. The country ranks low on the World Press Freedom Index, and homosexual acts, as well as extramarital heterosexual relationships, are illegal. Critics argue that awarding the tournament to a country with such restrictions raises serious concerns about freedom of expression and the safety of LGBTQ+ individuals attending the event.
Beyond human rights concerns, the tri-continental hosting arrangement for the 2030 World Cup has also drawn criticism for its environmental impact. The increased travel required for teams and fans to traverse continents will inevitably contribute to higher carbon emissions, contradicting FIFA’s stated commitment to addressing climate change. This commitment has been further questioned due to FIFA’s controversial sponsorship deal with Saudi Aramco, the state-owned oil company, a partnership that has drawn protests from professional women footballers.
The 2034 World Cup award to Saudi Arabia is perhaps the most contentious decision. The country’s human rights record, particularly regarding migrant workers, has been a source of international concern. Reports of "modern-day slavery" and exploitative labor practices in Saudi Arabia cast a long shadow over the upcoming tournament. The construction of eight new stadiums for the event raises further anxieties about the potential for worker abuse and exploitation.
The decision to award Saudi Arabia the hosting rights comes despite concerns raised by human rights organizations and trade unions about the treatment of migrant workers, freedom of expression, and women’s rights. Critics argue that awarding the tournament to Saudi Arabia sends the wrong message and could embolden the country to continue its repressive practices. While Saudi Arabia has embarked on some social reforms in recent years, the pace and depth of these changes remain insufficient to alleviate these concerns.
The back-to-back awarding of these two World Cups highlights the growing tension between the commercial interests of global sporting events and ethical considerations related to human rights and environmental sustainability. The decisions raise fundamental questions about the role of sports organizations like FIFA in upholding human rights and promoting responsible global citizenship. As the spotlight shines on these controversial choices, it remains to be seen how FIFA will address these concerns and ensure that the 2030 and 2034 World Cups are not marred by human rights abuses and environmental damage. The pressure will be on FIFA to demonstrate a genuine commitment to its stated values and to hold host nations accountable for their human rights records and environmental performance.
