On December 11, the 2030 World Cup will be awarded to six nations, while Saudi Arabia is favored to host the 2034 tournament. The DFB’s position remains uncertain amid human rights concerns, with the association yet to reveal its voting intentions. FIFA’s decision-making process has faced scrutiny, particularly regarding transparency and potential influence from its president. As the vote approaches, the implications for human rights and the integrity of football are prominent in discussions.
The Upcoming World Cup Awards: A Closer Look
On December 11, the prestigious 2030 World Cup will be awarded to six nations, while the 2034 World Cup is expected to land in Saudi Arabia. The Deutscher Fußball-Bund (DFB) is anticipated to give its approval, making any dissent a surprising turn of events.
FIFA has organized a Congress, featuring representatives from 211 national football associations, set for December 11 at 3 PM. This assembly will be conducted via video conference, with the hosts for both the 2030 and 2034 tournaments determined through a click of the mouse. The likelihood of Saudi Arabia being awarded the 2034 World Cup seems almost certain, as Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman invests heavily to reshape the nation’s global image, while dissent against his policies is largely silenced.
The DFB’s Stance and Human Rights Concerns
Numerous human rights organizations have voiced strong objections to holding the World Cup in Saudi Arabia, citing the country’s troubling human rights record. DFB President Bernd Neuendorf previously assured that the association would assess the bid concerning human rights aspects. However, as the tournament’s awarding date nears, the DFB has yet to disclose the findings of its review or clarify its voting intentions. In response to inquiries, the DFB stated, “A final decision on how the DFB positions itself has not yet been made.”
Despite the uncertainties, it’s widely believed that Saudi Arabia will be confirmed as the host for the 2034 World Cup. Questions linger around FIFA’s decision-making processes and the influence of its president, Gianni Infantino. Within FIFA’s 211 member associations, there appears to be little opposition to the president’s wishes, including from the DFB. The expectation is that the DFB will support the Saudi bid, despite previous controversies surrounding the association’s stances during the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
The FIFA Council, which includes DFB President Neuendorf, has seen unanimous decisions that favor Saudi Arabia’s World Cup bid. Neuendorf’s support for a block vote in the FIFA Council raised questions regarding the transparency of the bidding process.
Former FIFA governance chief Maduro criticized FIFA’s practices, suggesting that the organization claims democratic processes while operating under a system of absolute control. The notion that a vote signifies genuine democracy is called into question, especially when unanimous decisions are the norm.
As the countdown to the December 11 vote continues, there are indications that the process may lean towards acclamation rather than a traditional voting procedure. Such a method could further obscure the legitimacy of the decision-making process.
The relationship between FIFA and Saudi Arabia has deepened, with Infantino making several trips to meet the Saudi leadership. This burgeoning partnership includes significant sponsorship deals, such as the agreement with Aramco, one of the world’s most valuable companies. FIFA continues to seek additional sponsors for upcoming events, highlighting the financial stakes involved.
Human rights organizations have urged FIFA to reconsider awarding the 2034 World Cup to Saudi Arabia, citing insufficient risk assessments related to human rights violations. Concerns about the treatment of migrant workers persist, as the country prepares for extensive construction projects ahead of the tournament.
In conclusion, as the DFB and other football associations approach a crucial decision regarding the 2034 World Cup, the implications for human rights and the integrity of the sport remain at the forefront of discussions.