FIFA's 2034 World Cup in Saudi Arabia ft. Aziz Alghashian and Stephen Cockburn

FIFA has officially awarded the 2034 World Cup to Saudi Arabia, sparking debate among football fans and observers worldwide. In this episode, co-hosts Guy and Francesco take a look at the decision with Aziz Alghashian, a Saudi academic and football enthusiast, and Stephen Cockburn, Deputy Director of Amnesty International.Aziz shares insights into how hosting the World Cup aligns with Saudi Arabia's broader domestic and international strategies. Stephen highlights concerns about the bidding process and the human rights implications, while also discussing how the tournament could be leveraged to push for positive changes in the region.Guy and Francesco round out the conversation with their reflections on the politics of World Cups and FIFA's role on the global stage.The FootPol Podcast will be taking a break after this episode until 6 January when the next episode drops. To all our listeners: have a Happy Holiday Season and New Year!