Human rights fury as World Cup heads for Saudi Arabia

FIFA bosses face a backlash from football fans and human rights groups after choosing Saudi Arabia to host the 2034 World Cup.

- Christopher Bucktin

Football's international governing body announced the decision during its virtual congress in Zurich after the bid ran unopposed.

But fan groups claim Fifa rigged the vote by changing the bidding rules.

Its 211 member nations are supposed to select one host in a single vote, usually with multiple contenders.

Instead, they voted for two tournaments at once, in 2030 hosted by Spain, Portugal, and Morocco with some games in South America, and 2034. But Fifa was accused of "sportswashing" by failing to consider the Gulf state's record over migrant workers, freedom of speech and the treatment of women and gay people.