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FIFA President Gianni Infantino today praised football’s power to “unite the world” after playing a leading role in giving Saudi Arabia its most divisive World Cup since the last.
At today’s FIFA Congress, held virtually, Saudi Arabia, the sole bidder, was awarded the event in 2034, while Spain, Portugal and Morocco, also unopposed, hosted it in 2030 with the first three matches to be played in Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay to commemorate the centenary of the first World Cup.
The complicated schedule for 2030 also reduced the number of nations able to host the tournament in 2034 due to FIFA’s rotation policy.
That paved the way for Saudi Arabia to intervene, helped by the bidding process that lasted an inexplicably short 25 days. That surprised Australia, which was thought to be planning a bid alongside New Zealand, but Saudi Arabia had its document ready.
And when the rest of the Asian nations chose to back Saudi Arabia, it was a done deal.
Different reflections of Qatar 2022
It will be the first World Cup held in the Middle East since Qatar 2022, a tournament that Infantino described as “incredible success.” Amnesty says its legacy was less progressive and calls it “shameful” that the tournament’s legacy fund does not include compensation for migrant workers injured during preparations.
Speaking today before the hosts were confirmed, Infantino said: “Today, football will unite the world like nothing else can. We bring together people, nations and continents to see who will host the men’s World Cup in 2030 and 2034. It promises to be a historic moment and I thank you all for being part of this story.
“We have the responsibility to unite and not divide. Neither more nor less. This is exactly what we do.
“Dear friends, we live in unity. We live inclusion and we live football. Let’s make history together. Let’s unite the world with football and through football today.
“We know that this was only possible because there was mutual understanding. There was mutual respect. Everyone took one or more steps towards each other.
“Everyone gave up and everyone gave up something for the benefit of everyone, for the greater good. “These are precisely the values that are at the heart of FIFA and football.”
The World Cup is part of Bin Salman’s vision
Delivering the World Cup strengthens Saudi Arabia’s growing influence in global sport. De facto ruler Mohammed bin Salman made sport a key part of his Vision 2030 plan, which aims to diversify the economy and improve the country’s reputation abroad.
It has organized top-level boxing, Formula One, the Club World Cup and major tennis events, as well as launching, through its Public Investment Fund, the LIV Golf Tour and purchasing Premier League club Newcastle United.
However, concerns remain about its human rights record. Over the years, Saudi Arabia has faced criticism for the criminalization of homosexuality, restrictions on freedom of expression, continued use of the death penalty, the country’s involvement in the conflict in Yemen, and the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi in 2018.
FIFA’s “independent” assessment of Saudi Arabia, conducted by a Saudi-based company, was called “false” by Human Rights Watch.
The 2034 World Cup could be in 2035
There is also the question of when the World Cup will be held and whether it will be in 2034.
The weather means it will have to be in the European winter, but November and December clash with the holy month of Ramadan, meaning it could be delayed until January and February 2035.
There was no formal vote on the nominations today and the hosts of the two events were confirmed by acclamation, essentially delegates from member countries applauding when asked.
