Saudi Arabia officially announced as the 2034 World Cup host. Human rights groups warn of unimaginable human cost'

Michael Page, deputy Middle East and North Africa director at Human Rights Watch (HRW), emphasized that Saudi Arabia hosting the World Cup 'comes with an unimaginable human cost,' highlighting ongoing concerns about migrant worker exploitation and the suppression of free speech in the kingdom.

The FIFA's decision to award Saudi Arabia the 2034 World Cup comes amid criticisms of the country’s human rights record, with expert opinions suggesting that such a high-profile event could exacerbate existing issues regarding the treatment of marginalized communities and dissent.

Saudi Arabia’s bid is part of a larger strategy to reposition the nation on the global stage through sports investment, with the Crown Prince aiming to diversify the economy under the banner of Saudi Vision 2030, focusing particularly on soccer as a key pillar.

Aside from hosting the World Cup, Saudi Arabia has made significant investments in sports across various domains, from golf to esports, marking a transformational phase for the country in terms of international visibility and economic reformation.

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