Monitoring Desk
Saudi sports minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al-Faisal has said that it would be ‘Islamophobic’ to be forced by FIFA to sell alcohol if it hosts the 2030 World Cup, the minister said in an interview with Sky News. The minister was asked whether it would be Islamophobic to enforce alcohol requirements on the tournament. He replied in the affirmative, “yes, because the World Cup is for everyone.”
Saudi Arabia is considering an ambitious collaborative bid with Greece and Egypt to host the 2030 World Cup. However, its strict laws would probably face the same criticism as Qatar’s during this year’s competition.
Saudi Arabia is working towards a better future
Al-Faisal added that if people cannot follow the rule and think they will not enjoy themselves in Saudi Arabia, they should not come. He said the country is “working towards a better future” after facing criticism of human rights.
While saying the Saudis are “working towards a better future” after facing human rights criticism, no specific reforms were offered.
The minister said that LGBTQ fans are welcome as they have attended some events previously in the Kingdom. However, the country has some rules and regulations, and the fans must respect and follow the culture. People cannot show affection in public.
Al-Faisal said that the country is ‘ready’ to host any tournament as it has “learned a lot” from hosting multiple events in the past.
