In a few months, Saudi Arabia is expected to secure the 2034 FIFA World Cup since they are the only bidder. The country’s treatment of LGBTQ people is very worrying. Despite these concerns, the nation is continuously ignoring it, similar to what Qatar did for the 2022 World Cup. This indicates that the nation is ignoring human rights issues during the hosting of a very large event.
A recent interview with Hammad Albalawi explores many facts. He is the leader of Saudi Arabia’s bid. According to him, LGBTQ fans would be warmly welcomed and their privacy respected. However, he did pay attention to the nation’s law that makes homosexuality illegal. Instead, he said that to learn about Saudi Arabia, people should visit this nation. He ignores the tough questions. Furthermore, Saudi Arabia’s actions suggested that the major focus of this nation is to host the World Cup rather than addressing its discriminatory laws. This raises serious concerns about the nation’s true commitment to inclusivity.
To hide LGBTQ issues, the nation approaches the same techniques as Qatar did in the past. The statement of Albalawi about visitors honored and welcomed highlights that he has aimed to divert the minds of people. Because he did discuss the real problems. The same happened in Qatar in 2022. Here, LGBTQ fans are only welcome if they don’t reveal their identity.
Albalawi did not talk about LGBTQ people, no matter who they are, players, staff, or even citizens of Saudi Arabia. This highlights how nations are ignoring the basic rights of people and thinking about their interests. This is what Qatar did by banning rainbow flags and the OneLove armband.
Saudi Arabia seems to be preparing for the same tactic, hiding LGBTQ issues rather than addressing them. This strategy makes it look like they respect people, but they are restricting LGBTQ rights.
Saudi Arabia needs to protect its human rights because this is the only nation to bid for the 2034 World Cup. But the nation takes advantage of the opportunity and feels no pressure to fulfill its commitment to human rights. It is evident in their bid book that it does not include many important details. Many organizations criticized the plan and said it ignores the significant risks of hosting such a major event in a country known for its poor human rights record. The independent report from the Saudi law firm also lacks many important issues. It includes the prohibition of trade unions, restrictions on free speech, forced evictions, and the criminalization of same-sex relationships. This absence sends the message that the nation wants to prove itself good. It reflects a troubling trend where sports and ethics are at odds.
With encouragement from FIFA and the success of Qatar 2022, Saudi Arabia seems ready to exploit its opportunity, leaving human rights behind.
Half of the population of Saudi Arabia is considered the youngest because they are under 25. Albalawi mentioned in an interview that the nation wants to grow the youth, and for this reason, host major sports events. But these initiatives seem more about the government’s beneficial role rather than real change.
The Crown Prince of the nation, Mohammed Bin Salman, offers many job opportunities, but with strict rules. This government wants to control society and closely watch its actions. Those who oppose the government’s rules also face severe punishment. Discussions about sexuality and gender identity are still forbidden, showing that true cultural freedom is lacking.
While the government promotes a modern image, it uses these changes to maintain its power rather than genuinely empower its youth. The desire for more freedom and openness among young Saudis remains unfulfilled in a society that still prioritizes strict control over personal expression.
Albalawi is comfortable with his opinion that LGBTQ people are not a part of Saudi Arabia. He prefers to illustrate them as just fans. He minimizes their role in FIFA’s expanding tournament that includes 48 nations.
It seems that he will stick to his narrative in future tough interviews. He claims that his love is genuine for sports games in Saudi Arabia.
Yet, what about LGBTQ individuals involved in the sport? In 2034, they will still face discrimination and not be able to express themselves independently.