The FIFA World Cup is more than just a football event; it is an international party of harmony, sportsmanship, and cultural commerce. Millions of fans, reporters, and athletes from across the world celebrate the sport and their shared love of football. Freedom of expression is a fundamental right that underpins an open democratic society.
In the context of a major global event such as the FIFA World Cup, the key potential is for fans, newcomers and members to freely and openly specify themselves is essential. Saudi Arabia’s restrictions on these issues have been widely criticized by human rights groups, leading many to question whether Saudi Arabia might not be able to offer an inclusive and welcoming environment for this type of large global target audience.
Lack of Freedom of Speech in Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia is understood to have several extremely strict legal guidelines on the subject of freedom of speech, expression, and assembly. Saudi Arabia is an absolute monarchy with laws that restrict dissent and limit public discourse. According to Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International, any complaint by the government, the royal family, or the spiritual government will be met with harsh consequences such as imprisonment, corporal punishment, or in some cases even the loss of a life sentence. Saudi Arabia ranks 166th out of 180 countries in the 2024 Press Freedom Index by Reporters Without Borders (RSF), scoring 27.14.
A. Impact on Media Coverage
Media freedom is essential to the running of an international event such as the FIFA World Cup. Journalists should be able to freely report on the Games, interview enthusiasts, and cover the many cultural factors of the occasion. In Saudi Arabia, however, media outlets are largely controlled across the country, and journalists are often censored or punished for reporting on sensitive topics.
In 2023, Reporters Without Borders ranked Saudi Arabia one hundred and seventy out of one hundred and eighty countries in its World Press Freedom Index. This ranking depicts a media environment where vital voices are silenced and unbiased journalism is non-existent.
B. Censorship of Social Media and Online Platforms
Social media has become a key platform for fans, reporters, and participants to share their reviews during international broadcasts. In Saudi Arabia, however, online systems are tightly controlled and people can face severe punishment for expressing dissent or complaining about the government online. Recent proposals for new legislation, including the draft Media Law introduced in November 2023, seek to further tighten control over digital platforms by mandating licenses for content creation and distribution.
C. Suppressing LGBTQ Voices
In Saudi Arabia, the LGBTQ network faces extreme repression. Homosexuality is illegal and punishable by death, and any public support for LGBTQ rights is met with harsh consequences. FIFA continues to promote inclusion and diversity, particularly through its campaigns including “Say No to Racism” and its LGBTQ Rights Guide. However, hosting the World Cup in a rustic setting where LGBTQ lovers and members should face persecution immediately contradicts FIFA’s commitment to inclusivity.
Fans, players, and rookies who identify as LGBTQ or who want to show solidarity with the LGBTQ community are no longer able to express themselves freely in Saudi Arabia. This raises the question of whether Saudi Arabia can offer a truly inclusive environment for all contributors and fans.
Restrictions on Assembly and Protest
Large gatherings and public protests are a key feature of global events such as the FIFA World Cup. Fans regularly hold rallies, parades, and various public occasions to show support for their teams, celebrate victories, or voice their opinions on various issues. However, public gatherings are strictly regulated in Saudi Arabia and unauthorized gatherings are prohibited.
A. Government Crackdown on Protests
In Saudi Arabia, any public protest is illegal and people who participate in demonstrations face severe punishment. The government has a lengthy record of suppressing protests, specifically those associated with political reform, women’s rights, and labour.
If Saudi Arabia hosted the World Cup, it is miles uncertain whether fans would be free to gather in public spaces to entertain or protest. The danger of the presidency cracking down on public gatherings should create an anxious and oppressive atmosphere that could be incompatible with the celebratory spirit of the World Cup.
B. Impact on fan experience
The FIFA World Cup is as much a cultural competition as it is a sporting event. Fans from all over the world come together to celebrate now not only the most skilled football but in addition their cultures and traditions. Fans are likely discouraged from holding large rallies or speaking out publicly for fear of presidential retaliation. This may dampen the overall atmosphere of the tournament and make it difficult for the fans to revel.
International Backlash and Image Damage
The hosting of the World Cup in Saudi Arabia should create a full-scale global response. Human rights groups, activists, and even several national football associations have expressed problems with awarding the match to a country with a poor record of freedom of expression and human rights.
A. FIFA’s Reputation at Stake
FIFA has faced complaints from abroad for awarding the World Cup to international venues with questionable human rights records, including Russia in 2018 and Qatar in 2022. Hosting the World Cup in Saudi Arabia would potentially exacerbate this criticism and further damage the event.
B. Potential for Boycotts
There is also the threat that some international locations or players would possibly boycott the match if it’s held in Saudi Arabia. In 2022, numerous international locations and human rights businesses were known for boycotting the Beijing Winter Olympics due to China’s human rights abuses.
Conclusion
While Saudi Arabia may be keen to host the FIFA World Cup in 2034, its severe restrictions on freedom of expression make it a noticeably improper desire. The ability of fans, journalists, and contributors to express themselves freely is a cornerstone of hosting a successful World Cup event. Ultimately, the World Cup has to celebrate team spirit, range, and freedom—values incompatible with Saudi Arabia’s cutting-edge policies on freedom of expression and meeting.
