FIFA Inspection Praises Saudi Arabia Bid To Host 2034 World Cup

Ahead of giving Saudi Arabia the men’s 2034 World Cup to host, FIFA approved the quality of its bid in a 110-page evaluation Saturday that noted higher risks related to human rights in the oil-rich kingdom.

FIFA’s in-house inspection team noted Saudi Arabia must invest “significant effort and time" to fulfill promises for the tournament that comply with international standards, which were widely criticised this year at the United Nations Human Rights Council.

The Saudi bid also was scored by FIFA staff as “medium risk" for huge construction projects to build most of the 15 stadiums and dozens of new hotels needed, plus picking which months to play the 48-team, 104-game tournament.