Sky News has been told by Saudi Arabia’s sports minister that it would be Islamophobic for FIFA to force Saudi Arabia to sell alcohol if the World Cup is held in their country.
Saudi Arabia, together with Egypt and Greece, are exploring an ambitious bid for the 2030 tournament. They have not been discouraged by Qatar’s heavy scrutiny of human rights.
Even though alcohol can be found in bars around Doha, guarantees that it could be sold at World Cup venues were dropped by Qatar shortly before the tournament began last week.
Saudi Arabia believes that Saudi Arabia’s dryness should not hinder it from hosting the World Cup.
When asked if it would be Islamophobic for a tournament to have alcohol requirements, Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al-Faisal, Saudi sports minister, said to Sky News, “Yes, because there is a World Cup for everyone.”
He said, “If you’re against it, and don’t feel like your time is going to be enjoyable, and that rule doesn’t apply, don’t come.” It’s that simple.
Although the Saudis have stated that they are working towards a better future after being subject to criticisms regarding human rights, no specific reforms were suggested.
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“Saudi Arabia has made a lot of changes”
Saudi officials murdered journalist Jamal Khashoggi at the consulate of the Kingdom in 2018. This led to opposition from rights groups against the purchase of Newcastle United through the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund.
Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman is the head of the Saudi sovereign wealth fund. The US intelligence reports that he had approved the murder of Khashoggi but he denies any involvement.
The remains of the Washington Post columnist have not been found. This raises questions about whether Saudi Arabia is suited to play a leading role within sport.
Prince Abdulaziz stated, “Everyone was horrified at what happened and everybody condemned it in the Kingdom.”
“What the Saudi government did in Saudi was a step to prevent it from happening again.”
He said, “We know that Saudi Arabia has changed a lot since a few years ago.
“We are aware that we are moving towards the future.”
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“LGBT supporters are welcome, but we have rules”
Saudi Arabia could be denied a World Cup bid, possibly because it does not comply with FIFA’s requirements that gay people are not discriminated against. These changes were made in response to Qatar’s 2030 World Cup being held in Qatar.
Prince Abdulaziz stated that they are “welcome,” during the interview in Doha.
“I’m certain they’ve attended some of our events. We don’t ask people if they are gay or straight. Everyone’s welcome. Everyone must respect the rules.
What are the rules?
He replied: “There are rules everyone must respect about our culture, and how they have abide by it.
“So, even men and women can’t show affection at public places. That’s a regulation we must respect. We must respect the culture.”
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What are Qatar’s homosexuality laws and regulations?
Will women ever enjoy equal rights?
In Saudi Arabia, women have been granted more rights over the years. This year, a women’s national soccer team was established. However, women are still subject to discrimination. They must have the approval of a male guardian in order to marry.
Saudi Arabia: Can women ever expect equal rights to men?
“It depends what you mean with equal rights,” Prince Abdulaziz replied. Saudi Arabia will solve this social problem if it is necessary.”
It’s important to remember that equal rights means having the same rights.
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He replied: “Do women in the West have equal rights?” They are entitled to the same job, salary and other benefits.
In many countries, legislation exists to make sure they have.
He said, “Maybe in certain countries, in other countries different.” This is a problem for the citizens of the country. It’s unlikely that you’d accept it if you told me to come and tell your about 123 or we wouldn’t deal with them.”
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Saudis are’ready’ for any tournament
There was no confirmation that a bid was made for the 2030 World Cup. Talks had been confirmed by potential partners Egypt, Greece and others.
Prince Abdulaziz insists that the use of three countries from three continents shouldn’t be a problem, especially considering the hosts of 2026 World Cup.
He stated that the next World Cup would be held in Canada, the US and Mexico. I believe the travel between them will be longer than between Saudi Arabia, Greece, and Egypt.
“But I believe we’ve learned much from hosting a lot events in the past… I think Saudi Arabia will be ready to host any big or international competitions or championships for the future.”
