Another winter World Cup?
Saudi Arabia has yet to build several proposed stadiums for a tournament that could be held in winter, as was the case in neighbouring Qatar. The report highlighted average daytime temperatures in the capital Riyadh that exceed 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit) in June and July.
Human rights, a source of deep controversy at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, threatens to become a major talking point once again in the runup to 2034.
Rights groups highlight mass executions in Saudi Arabia and allegations of torture, as well as restrictions on women under the conservative country’s male guardianship system.
Free expression is severely restricted, with some people handed lengthy jail terms over critical posts on social media.
Saudi Arabia, which is hosting several high profile events including Formula One and the WTA Finals tennis, is often accused of “sportswashing”, using sport to divert attention from its rights record.
“As expected, FIFA’s evaluation of Saudi Arabia’s World Cup bid is an astonishing whitewash of the country’s atrocious human rights record,” said Amnesty International.
“There are no meaningful commitments that will prevent workers from being exploited, residents from being evicted or activists from being arrested.
“By ignoring the clear evidence of severe human rights risks, FIFA is likely to bear much responsibility for the violations and abuses that will take place over the coming decade.
“Fundamental human rights reforms are urgently required in Saudi Arabia, or the 2034 World Cup will be inevitably tarnished by exploitation, discrimination and repression.”
