Human rights warnings after Fifa awards 2034 World Cup to Saudis

Fifa set the seal on one of the most controversial decisions in its history yesterday by confirming Saudi Arabia would host the 2034 World Cup.

- Paul MacInnes

In a decision Amnesty International says "will put many lives at risk", and which has drawn the ire of NGOs, unions, legal experts and fans, the Gulf state will stage the 48-team football tournament in 15 stadiums across five cities, most likely in winter.

The news had been anticipated for more than a year, when Saudi was left as the sole bidder. It was confirmed yesterday in a virtual congress of Fifa's 211 members, with its key decisions passed by a collective clapping of hands on a wall of video screens.

Also confirmed was the destination of the 2030 World Cup, which will be hosted by Morocco, Spain and Portugal, with three "centenary matches" in Argentina, Uruguay and Paraguay to launch the tournament.

The president of Fifa, Gianni Infantino, said: "We are of course aware of critics and fears. I fully trust our hosts to address all open points and I fully expect them to deliver tournaments that meet the world's expectations.

"This is what we expect and look forward to: social improvements, positive human rights impacts.