Saudi Arabia is on the cusp of hosting the 2034 FIFA World Cup, a move that has sparked both excitement and controversy. Hammad Albalawi, head of the Saudi 2034 World Cup bid unit, has stated that his country welcomes all visitors, including LGBTQ individuals, emphasizing that the bid is not about ‘sportswashing’ their human rights record. Albalawi assured the public that LGBTQ fans would be respected and welcomed in Saudi Arabia, emphasizing the country’s commitment to providing a hospitable environment for all. This statement comes amidst growing concern from human rights organizations about the Kingdom’s treatment of LGBTQ individuals. Saudi law, though uncodified, carries the potential for the death penalty for those engaging in same-sex sexual acts. While the Saudi government has stated that visitors are not required to disclose their personal information and will have their privacy respected, these reassurances have been met with skepticism by some.
The Saudi government has invested heavily in high-profile sports events in recent years, including soccer, Formula One, boxing, and golf. This has led critics, including Amnesty International, to accuse the country of ‘sportswashing’ – using sporting events to improve its global image while ignoring internal human rights issues. Albalawi, however, has firmly denied these accusations, stating that the country’s focus is on achieving the goals of Vision 2030, a reform program aimed at diversifying Saudi Arabia’s oil-reliant economy by boosting tourism and enhancing urban life.
In May 2023, Saudi Arabia’s government-run tourism website released a statement addressing LGBT visitors, acknowledging the importance of respecting local culture and traditions. This statement, while highlighting the need for adherence to Saudi laws, also emphasized the respect for visitor privacy. However, this statement has been met with mixed reactions, with some questioning the sincerity of Saudi Arabia’s commitment to inclusivity.
Amnesty International has raised serious concerns about Saudi Arabia’s human rights record, highlighting the lack of public advocacy groups for LGBTQ individuals and the country’s failure to meet FIFA’s own human rights requirements. The organization also criticized the human rights context analysis conducted for the bid, claiming it failed to address several human rights issues and did not consult with civil society organizations or rights-holders.
The Saudi government maintains that the 2034 World Cup bid is a key component of Vision 2030, aiming to improve the lives of its citizens and showcase Saudi Arabia’s transformation on the global stage. While the country faces significant challenges in terms of human rights, the upcoming World Cup presents an opportunity for meaningful dialogue and progress on issues of inclusivity, diversity, and respect for all. The success of Saudi Arabia’s bid will hinge not only on its ability to host a world-class sporting event but also on its commitment to addressing the concerns of its critics and demonstrating a genuine commitment to human rights.
