Saudi 2034 World Cup bid official denies claims

The man in charge of Saudi Arabia’s bid to host the 2034 World Cup says sports washing has nothing to do with their plans and denies the FIFA process to award hosting rights has been a sham.

Speaking in his first broadcast interview, Hammad Albalawi said a World Cup in Saudi Arabia would be “magical” and LGBTQ+ fans would be welcomed as guests.

While acknowledging widespread concerns about human and workers’ rights in his country, he said “giant strides” are being made on social reforms. He also revealed Saudi Arabia would be willing to host the alcohol-free tournament in the summer and has not ruled out a bid for the Women’s World Cup.

Saudi Arabia published its bid in August after FIFA controversially fast-tracked the process for hosting the 2030 and 2034 World Cups. Even though Saudi Arabia are the sole bidder for 2034, FIFA will carry out an inspection visit next month before the Gulf state are confirmed as hosts at the FIFA Congress on December 11.

“We are on a journey of remarkable transformation,” Albalawi said. “It’s the natural next step for us to aspire to bring the World Cup to Saudi Arabia and we’re very excited about it.”

Steve Cockburn, Amnesty International’s Head of Labour Rights and Sport, said: “Awarding the 2034 World Cup to Saudi Arabia without huge human rights reforms would guarantee that the tournament will be scarred by exploitation, discrimination and repression.”-SkySports