Activist Warns of World Cup 'Bubble' in Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia's hosting of the 2034 World Cup has sparked a debate about human rights and the authenticity of changes within the kingdom. Lina al-Hathloul, a Saudi rights activist, cautioned that international visitors will experience a "bubble" of Saudi life, obscuring ongoing human rights issues. Concerns about the treatment of migrant workers in building infrastructure and the restrictive laws against women and LGBTQ+ individuals have been highlighted by rights groups.

Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has played a significant role in securing the World Cup, while asserting that hosting will propel further modernization. Critics, however, argue that this image masks the kingdom's stringent controls over personal freedoms and political dissent. Al-Hathloul criticized the superficial nature of social reforms, emphasizing that changes are not institutional or widespread.

FIFA's decision to grant the tournament to Saudi Arabia faced minimal opposition, with Norway as the lone dissenting voice among 211 member federations. The English Football Association sought assurances of safety and acceptance for all fans, including LGBTQ+ visitors. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, after meeting the crown prince, referred to Saudi Arabia as a crucial economic partner. (This story was generated by Newser's AI chatbot. Source: the AP)