One of Saudi Arabia’s hooks
Ramadan stands in the way of winter date for controversial World Cup
01.08.2024, 12:33
Saudi Arabia is the only candidate for the 2034 FIFA World Cup. FIFA President Gianni Infantino has already confirmed that the tournament will take place there. There are a few catches, and these cannot be resolved even with the help of the new application documents.
Superstar Cristiano Ronaldo is tirelessly promoting Saudi Arabia’s highly controversial bid to host the 2034 World Cup in Europe. However, after FIFA published the application documents of the only candidate, key questions remain unanswered.
The sensitive issue of human rights in the kingdom is discussed in two subsections in the 17th and final chapter of the 245-page glossy document. Yasser Al-Misehal, president of the national football association, is quoted as saying that the World Cup will be organized in a way that is “as environmentally friendly and people-centered as possible.” “Young minds” should “adopt a global perspective” that will have a positive impact on the planet and people.
The World Cup applicant is keeping the timing of the tournament completely open. Another winter World Cup like the one in Qatar in 2022 is still possible. The decisive factor for the scheduling is cooperation with FIFA. Other aspects cited are climatic conditions and religious festivals. Holding the tournament in November and December like in Qatar seems impossible, as the fasting month of Ramadan falls in those months in 2034.
In the European summer, the traditional World Cup period, temperatures in Saudi Arabia can be extremely high. The applicants are writing about temperatures of 17 to 38 degrees Celsius in the months of May to September.
Amnesty: Shocking human rights record
The world is invited to “join us on our journey of remarkable transformation to become the home of global sport,” wrote five-time world footballer Cristiano Ronaldo, who earns his money at Saudi Arabian club al-Nassr FC, on X.
Human rights organizations have repeatedly expressed great concerns and sharply criticized Saudi Arabia. Amnesty recently announced that Saudi Arabia has an appalling human rights record. The country’s application documents include the bid book and a 28-page “Human Rights Strategy.” It speaks of the “great responsibility” to uphold human rights principles. It describes efforts to improve workers’ rights and ensure an “inclusive and discrimination-free” environment, among other things.
In Saudi Arabia, the tournament is to be played in 15 stadiums in 2034, including the futuristic city of Neom. Eight stadiums are still being built, three more are under construction, and four arenas are to be modernized before the tournament.
Saudi Arabia is expected to be awarded the contract this year. In December, an extraordinary FIFA Congress will award the 2030 and 2034 tournaments. The World Cup in six years will then take place in six countries. Spain, Portugal and Morocco are the designated main hosts, with opening matches taking place in Argentina, Uruguay and Paraguay. In 2026, the USA, Mexico and Canada will host the event, which will then be expanded to 48 teams and 104 matches.