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Steven Gerrard launches Saudi 2034 World Cup defence that flies in the face of worldwide outrage
Steven Gerrard has congratulated Saudi Arabia on landing the 2034 World Cup – despite the worldwide condemnation of the Middle Eastern nation's appalling human rights record.
Saudi was confirmed as the hosts of the world's most acclaimed sporting competition in 10 years’ time on Wednesday after their bid to bring the World Cup to the Middle East went unchallenged. Despite the controversy, the Saudi bid was backed by the English FA, who say they were happy to endorse the campaign after getting assurances that fans will be safe.
And now former Rangers manager Gerrard - who has been in charge of Saudi Pro League side Al-Ettifaq since July 2023, has offered his own ringing endorsement following the news. Speaking in a promotional video launched by Al-Ettifaq on Instagram, the Liverpool legend said: "Congratulations first and foremost, to stage the biggest football competition in the world.
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"People need to be ready for that because from the outside they are not see seeing what is going on here. There is a lot of work and preparation and I know that they will deliver and make sure that it's special."
FIFA's decision to give Saudi Arabia the World Cup has been slammed in various circles and has garnered similar criticism to Qatar, who hosted the World Cup two years ago. The country has made homosexuality a criminal offence. Amnesty International's Head of Labour Rights and Sport, Steve Cockburn condemned the news and released a statement on behalf of 12 separate organisations describing FIFA's awarding of the World Cup as 'reckless’.
It read: "FIFA’s reckless decision to award the 2034 World Cup to Saudi Arabia without ensuring adequate human rights protections are in place will put many lives at risk. Based on clear evidence to date, FIFA knows workers will be exploited and even die without fundamental reforms in Saudi Arabia, and yet has chosen to press ahead regardless. The organisation risks bearing a heavy responsibility for many of the human rights abuses that will follow."
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