Massive issues, questions, and criticisms have been raised when we talk about Saudi Arabia hosting the FIFA World Cup 2034. It is evident that if planned well, Saudi Arabia could host an outstanding World Cup like Qatar.
However, the rules and human rights situation in Saudi Arabia could be very different from those in Qatar, which might create an issue. It is critical to talk about what could transpire with Saudi Arabia hosting the FIFA World Cup 2034 and what we can expect.
What To Expect From Saudi Arabia Hosting World Cup 2034
Readers might feel that hosting a World Cup is an easy task. Well, it requires a massive amount of budget, technology, and even manpower. A risky 25-day window to submit a proposal and selection for the country was controversial. Still, Saudi Arabia got the green signal.
The government of Saudi Arabia has assured them they will host 104 games in 15 stadiums, with chosen cities being Jeddah, Abha, Al Khobar, Neom, and Riyadh. What is suspicious is the fact that 8 of the 15 stadiums need to be built.
Along with that, a total of $240 million will be spent on the infrastructure and the successful hosting of the tournament. FIFA World Cup 2034 in Saudi Arabia aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030. So, some connections can be built.
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Saudi Arabia’s Step Towards Global Sports Development
If you are thinking Saudi Arabia hosting the FIFA World Cup 2034 is the first major event you are mistaken. In recent times, Saudi Arabia has brought players like Cristiano Ronaldo, Neymar, and Benzema into their shores.
Such big names coming into Saudi and playing football for clubs have diversified the story. Other than football, Saudi Arabia recently hosted the LIV Golf Tour along with the Women’s Tennis Association Finals.
All in all, Saudi Arabia is trying its best to prove to the world that it is a forward-thinking country. But everyone is well aware of what to expect.
Risks of Saudi Arabia Hosting 2034 FIFA World Cup
There are plenty of risks and issues associated with Saudi Arabia hosting the FIFA World Cup 2034. With 8 new stadiums to be built before the World Cup, a lot of labor will be used.
Even in the case of Qatar, there was an issue of labor rights being mishandled, which created significant controversy. Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia is subject to wage theft, violence with laborers, and even abuses, so that’s a massive risk.
Moreover, Saudi Arabia doesn’t have a hard and fast rule related to the LGBTQIA community, which could create problems. Fans and even higher authorities are concerned about this.
Not only these, but women’s rights, freedom of speech, use of open fashion, and imprisonment of journalists are highly misused. This will lead to a massive amount of risk for Saudi Arabia in hosting the World Cup.
Solutions To The Risks Associated
Every reader and sports fan will agree that Saudi Arabia hosting the 2034 FIFA World Cup is a risk in itself. However, there are some major amendments and solutions that can be implemented.
2030 is Saudi Arabia’s vision year, which will bring the global world into Saudi Arabia and diversify the nation. For diversification, working on proper human rights, women’s safety, and rights for the LGBTQIA+ community could come a long way.
If Saudi Arabia could make it happen in Saudi Arabia Vision 2030, positive signs lie ahead for the 2034 World Cup year. Not only Saudi Arabia but also FIFA have a massive role to play.
They will have to collaborate with Saudi Arabia in maintaining the civil society organization, fans representatives, and even people who are facing discrimination and abuses towards the lead-up to the World Cup.
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