Hammad Albalawi Denies Sports Washing in Saudi Arabia's 2034 World Cup Bid

Saudi Arabia's Ambitious Bid for the 2034 World Cup

The man in charge of Saudi Arabia's bid to host the 2034 World Cup, Hammad Albalawi, asserts that the nation’s proposal is not a case of "sports washing". In his first broadcast interview, Albalawi claims a World Cup in Saudi Arabia would be "magical", and assures that LGBTQ+ fans would be welcomed as guests.

Addressing Human Rights Concerns

While acknowledging the widespread concerns regarding human and workers' rights in Saudi Arabia, Albalawi mentioned that the country is making "giant strides" towards social reforms. He indicated that Saudi Arabia would be open to hosting an alcohol-free tournament in the summer and hasn't dismissed future bids for the Women's World Cup.

FIFA's Inspection Visit and Selection Process

Saudi Arabia officially published its bid in August, following FIFA's decision to fast-track the hosting process for both the 2030 and 2034 World Cups. Despite being the sole bidder for the 2034 tournament, FIFA is set to conduct an inspection visit next month before confirming the Gulf state as hosts during the FIFA Congress on December 11.

A Young Nation's Vision for Sports

"We are on a journey of remarkable transformation," Albalawi stated. Hosting the World Cup is part of Saudi Arabia's broader ambition to enhance its sports profile on the international stage. The nation has been investing heavily in various sports since 2018, including football, boxing, Formula 1, and golf, as part of a strategy to diversify its economy and promote a healthier lifestyle among citizens.

Criticism and Perception

Critics, including organizations like Amnesty International, suggest that Saudi Arabia's sporting ambitions are a distraction from its poor human rights record. Addressing this, Albalawi emphasized that their focus is not just about headlines but about creating opportunities for the Saudi population. "We’re not doing this to make a headline; we’re doing this for our people," he reiterated.

Inclusivity and Respect for Guests

Despite the legal status of same-sex relationships in Saudi Arabia, Albalawi assured that all visitors would be treated with respect. He stated, "You will be respected. You will be welcome in Saudi Arabia... We've seen millions of guests come to Saudi Arabia in the last few years." This notion echoes previous claims made by organizers during the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

Upcoming Sporting Events in Saudi Arabia

In addition to the 2034 World Cup, Saudi Arabia is also set to host several major events, including the 2027 Asian Cup, the 2029 Asian Winter Games, and the 2034 Asian Games. Albalawi confirmed the kingdom's desire to host the Women’s World Cup as well, stating, "Our primary objective today is to deliver a bid for the 2034 World Cup. Our ambitions are greater, and we will welcome all opportunities to participate in hosting the greatest sporting events."

Infrastructure Development and Human Rights Initiatives

The 2034 World Cup will mark the first occasion an expanded 48-team tournament is held in a single country. Saudi Arabia is currently undertaking extensive infrastructure projects to accommodate the tournament. Albalawi pointed out that the last eight years have seen over 150 reforms, particularly in social policies aimed at improving opportunities for women and protecting workers' rights.

Winter Tournament and Alcohol Policies

Speculations suggest the 2034 World Cup might need to be held in winter, similar to the 2022 Qatar World Cup. Albalawi assured that Saudi Arabia is equipped to host the tournament whenever FIFA decides, maintaining that the tournament will remain alcohol-free, reflecting the country's strict laws against alcohol consumption.

Critiques from Human Rights Watch and Accountability

Critics have raised concerns over FIFA's potential collaboration with Saudi Arabia, particularly regarding alleged human rights abuses. Steve Cockburn, from Amnesty International, stated that hosting the World Cup without significant reforms could lead to exploitation, discrimination, and repression.

Conclusion: A Transformative Journey

As the 2034 World Cup approaches, the focus remains on whether Saudi Arabia can ensure a tournament that balances sporting ambition with the essential human rights considerations. Albalawi's commitment to transformation and ambition to host a remarkable World Cup will face intense scrutiny in the months to come.