Fifa’s Saudi Arabia World Cup Bid Raises Questions Over Transparency and Influence
In a move that has sparked concerns over transparency and influence, Fifa has confirmed Saudi Arabia as the host of the 2034 World Cup, just days after announcing a "landmark agreement" with DAZN, a deal reportedly worth $1bn.
The governing body’s decision to award the tournament to Saudi Arabia was unopposed, with Australia, the only other potential candidate, deciding not to enter the running. Critics have argued that the bidding process lacked transparency, with Fifa’s evaluation report awarding Saudi Arabia a record high score. The ratification of Saudi Arabia’s bid was then confirmed by acclamation, rather than a traditional vote, with only Norway’s football federation abstaining and criticising the bidding process.
According to BBC Sport, the sense of inevitability surrounding Saudi Arabia’s bid was only reinforced after Fifa’s evaluation report awarded it a record high score. The report, which was seen as a key factor in the decision-making process, raised questions over whether the bidding process was fair and transparent.
Fifa president Gianni Infantino has defended Saudi Arabia’s hosting of the 2034 World Cup, insisting that it can be a catalyst for social improvements. However, others remain dismayed. Nicholas McGeehan, of football campaign group Fair Square, told BBC Sport that the World Cup process effectively acted "to ensure that Saudi Arabia was selected as host". McGeehan also highlighted the connection between Fifa’s deal with DAZN and Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, which is now part-owned by the Saudi government.
"It’s obvious that without Saudi’s investment, the Club World Cup could not be organised in the US," said Sepp Blatter, Infantino’s predecessor, in a statement to BBC Sport. "It’s only through financial help of $1bn from Saudi Arabia that the
