From LIV to FIFA: How Saudi Arabia’s World Cup Bid Takes Sportswashing to a New Level

The term "sportswashing" refers to the practice of using sports events or organizations to improve a country’s international image, often diverting attention from human rights issues or other controversies. While the LIV Golf series has faced criticism for such tactics, FIFA's anticipated decision to award Saudi Arabia the 2034 World Cup has intensified these concerns, sparking widespread outrage and allegations of corruption.

Saudi Arabia's Sports Investments and Accusations of Sportswashing

In recent years, Saudi Arabia has significantly increased its involvement in global sports. The kingdom has hosted high-profile events, including boxing matches, Formula One races, and wrestling tournaments. Additionally, it has invested heavily in football, notably through acquiring Newcastle United Football Club and establishing the Saudi Pro League, which has attracted international stars like Cristiano Ronaldo. These initiatives are part of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's Vision 2030 plan, aiming to diversify the economy and enhance the nation's global standing.

Critics argue that these efforts constitute sportswashing, intended to overshadow Saudi Arabia's human rights record. Human Rights Watch has highlighted concerns over the kingdom's use of sports to divert attention from issues such as the suppression of dissent, the treatment of women's rights activists, and severe penalties for LGBTQ+ individuals.

FIFA's Role and the 2034 World Cup Bid

FIFA, the global governing body of football, has faced scrutiny over its selection processes for World Cup hosts. The 2022 World Cup in Qatar was marred by allegations of human rights abuses, particularly concerning migrant workers. Now, with Saudi Arabia as the sole bidder for the 2034 World Cup, similar concerns have resurfaced.

In a decision that reeks of corruption, Saudi Arabia—a nation with zero footballing legacy and no meaningful connection to the sport—has emerged as the sole bidder, seemingly clearing the way for an uncontested victory. Unlike nations with storied football histories, Saudi Arabia has no tradition in the sport, no iconic players, and no lasting contributions to football’s global growth. Instead, their bid is propped up by vast financial resources and a deliberate strategy to launder its global image through sports.

The process itself has raised significant concerns. FIFA accelerated the timeline for hosting rights, giving little room for other nations to challenge the bid. Critics argue that this aligns perfectly with FIFA’s tarnished history of backroom deals and profit-driven motives, epitomized by previous scandals. Amnesty International has called on FIFA to halt Saudi Arabia's bid unless significant human rights reforms are implemented, warning that awarding the World Cup to Saudi Arabia without guarantees of reform could lead to widespread abuses.

Human Rights Concerns

Saudi Arabia's human rights record includes issues such as the suppression of free speech, the treatment of LGBTQ+ individuals, and the rights of women. While the kingdom has introduced some reforms, such as allowing women to drive and attend READ ON >>> https://www.andrewwood.life/posts/72248121