The world of football is abuzz with the announcement of Saudi Arabia as the host of the 2034 World Cup. This decision has sparked a flurry of reactions, with concerns raised by human rights groups and some footballing authorities. In this article, we delve deep into the events leading up to this moment and explore the potential implications.

Human Rights Concerns and the Saudi Bid

Amnesty International and several other human rights organizations have voiced their strong opposition to Saudi Arabia's hosting of the World Cup. As reported, the current situation in Saudi Arabia is described as "dire," with issues such as mass executions, torture, and restrictions on free expression. The awarding of the World Cup without ensuring adequate human rights protections is seen as a risky move that could put many lives at risk.There is clear evidence that migrant workers will face exploitation and even death without fundamental reforms in Saudi Arabia. Yet, Fifa has chosen to press ahead with the decision, raising questions about their priorities and responsibilities.

The Saudi Minister's Perspective

The Saudi minister of sport, Abdulaziz bin Turki al-Faisal al-Saud, took to the stage to accept the World Cup award certificate. He expressed gratitude for the trust given to Saudi Arabia and emphasized their intention to host an extraordinary World Cup. However, the human rights concerns remain a significant hurdle that needs to be addressed.

Fifa's Response and Promises

Gianni Infantino, the Fifa president, has addressed the concerns raised by various parties. He has acknowledged the "critics and fears" and promised a "positive social impact" for World Cup host nations. But the question remains: will the situation actually improve for citizens and migrant workers in Saudi Arabia?Infantino has also emphasized the importance of football in bringing people together and promoting unity. He has stated that the World Cup "shines a spotlight" on host nations and forces them to discuss and act on various issues.

The 2030 World Cup and Its Implications

The 2030 World Cup was awarded to Spain, Morocco, and Portugal, with centenary matches to be held in Argentina, Paraguay, and Uruguay. This decision has led to discussions about the motives behind it and whether it was a convenient way to fast-track a Saudi World Cup.Some observers have suggested that the combination of two hosting bids was a strategic move to exclude certain confederations from bidding for the 2034 World Cup. This has raised questions about the fairness and transparency of the bidding process.

The Practical Consequences

What would happen if a team qualified for the 2034 World Cup but refused to go in protest? This is a question that has been raised, and the likely answer is that they would be replaced. The decision of the Football Association to support the Saudi bid was largely driven by their desire for England to participate in the tournament.There are also concerns about the practical aspects of hosting a World Cup in Saudi Arabia, especially considering the summer temperatures and the Ramadan period. These factors could pose challenges for both the players and the organizers.

The Role of Streaming Platforms

A very interesting side-note to this whole business is the link between the Saudi World Cup bid and Infantino's pet project, the Club World Cup. Streaming rights for the next summer's Club World Cup have been bought by Dazn for $1bn, with the Saudi Public Investment Fund potentially investing in the company. This raises questions about the influence of Saudi Arabia on the sport and the potential for sportswashing.

The Youth and Football in Saudi Arabia

In the midst of the bidding process, we have seen the emergence of young Saudi representatives who are passionate about football and driving change. A 13-year-old boy, Hamad Ali Kaabi, and a 13-year-old girl, Sadeen Alyafei, have played significant roles in the Saudi bid presentation. They have emphasized the love for football among Saudi citizens and the potential for the World Cup to inspire the next generation.

The Finance and Business Aspect

Infantino has also touched on the financial aspect of the World Cup. He has highlighted the success of the 32-team Women's World Cup last year and hinted at future expansion. He has also discussed the World Cup 2026 and the 2027 Women's World Cup in Brazil.However, the financial implications of hosting a World Cup in Saudi Arabia are still a matter of concern. The construction of 11 new venues and the development of a new city like Neom will require significant investments. There are also questions about the long-term sustainability of such projects.In conclusion, the road to the 2034 Saudi Arabia World Cup has been filled with controversy and promise. While there are concerns about human rights and the practical aspects of hosting the tournament, there is also the potential for a positive impact on Saudi Arabia and the sport as a whole. Only time will tell how this decision will unfold and what the future holds for football in Saudi Arabia.