Saudi Arabia’s World Cup Bid: What It Means For LGBTQIA+ Fans
According to Outsports, in just a few months, Saudi Arabia is expected to secure its bid to host the 2034 FIFA World Cup. As the only bidder, their success at the upcoming FIFA Congress on December 11 seems inevitable. However, concerns are mounting about how the kingdom will handle LGBTQIA+ issues during the event.
“We Welcome All Fans”
In a recent interview with Sky Sports, Hammad Albalawi, the head of the Saudi 2034 bid, addressed questions about LGBTQIA+ fans traveling to a country where homosexuality is criminalised. He stated, “We welcome all fans. We respect the privacy of all of our guests.” Albalawi encouraged people to visit Saudi Arabia to learn more about it firsthand.
When pressed further about freedom of expression, Albalawi assured that visitors would be respected and welcomed. This echoes the approach taken by Qatar during the 2022 World Cup, where LGBTQIA+ fans were advised to enjoy the event while keeping their identities private.
A Decade to Go
With ten years until Saudi Arabia hosts the World Cup, there’s still time for change. Yet, as of now, there’s little pressure on Saudi Arabia to provide human rights assurances. The bid’s human rights plan lacks detail on critical issues, as noted by Amnesty International’s Steve Cockburn.
The kingdom has a young population eager for growth and opportunities. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman aims to provide these through sports and entertainment while maintaining strict societal controls. Discussions on sexuality and gender identity remain taboo.
Albalawi’s comments suggest that LGBTQIA+ individuals are seen as outsiders in Saudi Arabia. This perception aligns with FIFA’s focus on expanding the tournament rather than addressing human rights concerns.
As Saudi Arabia prepares for 2034, it’s clear that LGBTQIA+ fans and participants face significant challenges. The hope is that future discussions will bring more inclusive policies and practices.
