Amnesty warns FIFA over potential 2030 World Cup bid from Saudi Arabia

 

Staging for the 2030 men’s World Cup in Saudi Arabia may be “virtually impossible” if FIFA correctly applies its human rights criteria to any bid it makes, Amnesty International has said.

The Middle Eastern country, which has been widely criticised for its human rights record, is reportedly interested in hosting the centenary finals alongside Egypt and Greece country.

There are reports that consideration is being given to a bid to host the finals, which would be in the winter like this year’s upcoming tournament in Qatar.

It would be Saudi’s boldest move into the world of sports yet.

This is following the country’s Public Investment Fund buying a controlling stake in Newcastle United last year and the staging of Formula One races and high-profile boxing bouts.