Further news on the 2034 World Cup.
FIFA bosses face a backlash from football fans and human rights groups after choosing Saudi Arabia to host the 2034 World Cup.
Footballs international governing body announced the decision during its virtual congress in Zurich after the bid ran unopposed.
But fan groups claim Fifa rigged the vote by changing the bidding rules.....Its 211 member nations are supposed to select one host in a single vote...usually with multiple contenders.
Instead they voted for two tournaments at once.....in 2030 hosted by Spain, Portugal,and Morocco with some games in South America......and 2034....But fifa was accused of "sports-washing" by failing to consider the Gulf state's record over migrant workers, freedom of speech and the treatment of women and gay people.
Human Rights Watch has said it is using the World Cup to "wash away its poor human rights reputation".
Saudi Arabia has promised a futuristic cliff-top venue built 1,000ft above ground along with a further 14 stadiums.....Bid leader Hammad Albalawi said..."We are a young nation seizing this opportunity." A fifa report on the bid said the rights risk was "medium" while it concluded that "hosting the competition could help contribute to positive human rights impacts".
Steve Cockburn...at human rights group Amnesty...said: "Fans will face discrimination , Migrant workers will face exploitation and many will die".
The English FA said it was given assurances on human rights....In a statement it said "We asked them to commit to ensuring all fans would be safe and welcomed to Saudi Arabia in 2034 including LGBTQ+ fans....Our commitment to diversity and inclusion means being respecful of all....including all religions and cultures. We also believe that hosting the World Cups can be a catalyst for positive change".
Saudi Arabia faced controversy six years ago following the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi by men allegedly close to the government.
Also...at least 198 people have been executed in the country this year.....the highest number since 1990.
Yesterday fans spoke of their anger....One..Adam Salisbury said "The whole world has blood on its hands supporting Saudi's World Cup Bid".
Daily Express...Thursday...12/12/2024.