Fifa warned not to consider ‘appalling’ Saudi Arabia as World Cup hosts by Amnesty International
IndependentAPR 1 2022
This joint bid may be based on a strong sentimental appeal to celebrate the World Cup's centennial edition in its birthplace, but sentiment is all these countries can offer. Besides the fact that carrying out all the work necessary to make this bid feasible in six years would be too expensive and risky for a region that faces dire economic problems, South America recently hosted the 2014 tournament and the Western Hemisphere will host the 2026 edition.
Though the European bid to host the 2030 World Cup may be the only one combining modern sports infrastructures with economic rationality, FIFA should vote to return the tournament to its roots if the body is really seeking to close the gap between Europe and the rest of the world. A World Cup alone is not enough, but it would be a great start to ensure a more competitive and global sport.