FIFA’s confirmation that Saudi Arabia, which has been criticized for years for its record on human rights and the environment, will host the 2034 Men’s World Cup has been one of the most controversial steps ever taken by football’s governing body.

But while many critics are horrified by the prospect, few should be surprised, given the impact the kingdom’s unprecedented investment in sport is having.

FIFA confirms Saudi Arabia will host the 2034 World Cup

FIFA has confirmed that Saudi Arabia will host the Men’s World Football Championship in 2034, while Spain, Portugal and Morocco will host it in 2030.

In the tournament in 2030, three matches will be held in Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay to mark the 100th anniversary.

As a result of the voting held at the Extraordinary FIFA Congress held on Wednesday, the hosts of both World Cups were determined.

All 211 FIFA member countries attended the meeting via video conference.

The hosts of both tournaments and the 2030 centenary celebrations were determined by two separate votes.

In the first draft, Uruguay, Paraguay and Argentina were selected as the 100th anniversary hosts.

Secondly, while the three host countries for 2030 were confirmed, it was decided that the 2034 tournament would be awarded to Saudi Arabia.

Nations cast their votes by ‘clapping’, that is, by applauding in front of cameras via video links.

Only one voting option was available on all three decisions, and FIFA General Secretary Mattias Grafstrom said ahead of the vote that “all 211 [member associations] voted before the congress”.

The reason for Norway’s decision to abstain was not because Saudi Arabia was nominated as the host, but because of “concerns about the current FIFA World Cup bidding process”.

The Swiss Football Federation also requested that its observations be added to the congress minutes.

The Swiss Football Federation stated on Tuesday that it would approve Saudi Arabia’s bid to host the 2034 World Cup, but demanded that human rights should be monitored by both FIFA and the international labor organization.

The Danish Football Association (DBU) said it supported the overall package of two World Cup bids but wanted FIFA to oversee human rights improvements.

“We would have liked to see more bids for both the 2030 and 2034 World Cups, and we are critical of the process as a whole,” said DBU President Jesper Moller.

He is using the oil-producing kingdom’s unprecedented spending on sport to improve its reputation for its human rights record and environmental impact.

4 of the 15 stadiums where matches will be played in the 2034 World Cup have been completed so far.