The Football Association’s decision to back Saudi Arabia’s bid to host the 2034 World Cup was “not a difficult one” after organizers made “many commitments”, says its president Debbie Hewitt.
Saudi Arabia was confirmed as host of the men’s tournament on Wednesday by world soccer’s governing body, FIFA.
Organizers insist everyone is welcome, but the country has been criticized for violating human rights and women’s rights and criminalizing homosexuality.
However, Hewitt told BBC Radio 5 Live the FA asked “a lot of questions” before endorsing the bid.
“It wasn’t a difficult decision – I think it was a very thorough process,” Hewitt added.
“We spent a lot of time with the Saudis, understanding their approach to the tournament.
“We asked a lot of questions, they gave us a lot of time and commitments, and I think the most important thing is that we will now work with them over the next 10 years leading up to the tournament to make sure that these commitments are met – by both parties.”
The The FA met with the Saudi Arabian Football Federation (SAFF) last month. to discuss the offer in more detail. It said it was assured that SAFF is committed to providing a safe environment for all fans, including LGBTQ+ supporters.
“We have been reassured by the responses we have received and we believe this is about partnership,” Hewitt said, adding that the FA would provide organizers with “the right groups to consult with”.
“The tournament is not just about the host. “What matters in a tournament is those who take part and play their part, and that’s what we want to do.”
The 2034 FIFA World Cup will be the second to be held in the Middle East – it was held in Qatar in 2022.
Saudi Arabia’s international standing was seriously damaged in 2018 by the murder of Jamal Khashoggi, a Saudi journalist living in the US and a prominent government critic.
In a statement, Rodney Dixon KC, who previously represented Hatice Cengiz, Khashoggi’s widow, said it was disappointing to the FA that the Scottish and Welsh FAs – who also backed Saudi Arabia’s bid – were “merely following the crowd” rather than taking a stand against the oil-producing kingdom’s abuses oil.
“They should reconsider their position and use the time before the 2034 World Cup to press for necessary reforms in the country, otherwise they should work together with all countries that support universal human rights to withdraw the tournament from Saudi Arabia,” Dixon added.
