Saudi Arabia’s bid to host the 2034 World Cup has sparked international discussions, particularly surrounding the country’s treatment of LGBTQ visitors. Hammad Albalawi, head of the Saudi bid, emphasized that everyone, including LGBTQ fans, would be welcome in the Kingdom during the event. “You will be respected,” Albalawi stated in response to questions about LGBTQ attendees, insisting that all visitors’ privacy would be honored. His remarks aim to counteract longstanding global criticism of Saudi Arabia’s human rights record.
The bid comes at a time when FIFA limited competition for the 2034 tournament to the Asian and Oceanian confederations. Saudi Arabia, being the only nation to express serious interest, is widely expected to be confirmed as the host in December. However, organizations like Amnesty International have already expressed concerns, pointing to Saudi Arabia’s treatment of LGBTQ individuals. Amnesty reported that the Kingdom does not publicly support LGBTQ rights and enforces harsh penalties, including the death penalty, for same-sex relations.
Despite Albalawi’s assurances, the absence of LGBTQ advocacy groups in Saudi Arabia paints a stark contrast to the inclusive messaging that international sporting events often promote. The government’s stance on LGBTQ visitors has been ambiguous, with statements merely asking for respect of local laws and traditions, creating uncertainty about how safe LGBTQ fans would truly be.
Moreover, critics argue that Saudi Arabia’s investment in high-profile sporting events is part of a broader effort to deflect attention from its human rights record—a tactic often referred to as “sportswashing.” While Albalawi denies such claims, asserting that these initiatives aim to improve life for Saudis, the LGBTQ community remains skeptical about their true safety in the Kingdom.
As the world’s attention turns to the upcoming FIFA decision, Saudi Arabia faces increasing pressure to address these human rights concerns transparently. The LGBTQ community’s inclusion in the global sporting event is vital, and any form of exclusion or threat would undermine the very essence of what the World Cup stands for—unity and equality.
