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FIFA announced Saudi Arabia as the host for the 2034 Men's World Cup, giving the country ten years to complete several ambitious projects that it has earmarked for the tournament.

Development plans include the renovation of existing stadiums, the creation of some, as well as improved public transport facilities, the expansion of airports, and much more.

This has led to criticism from environmental campaigners, while the country's controversial human rights record is another bone of contention for the public. Football fans have also been vocal about the lack of sporting history in the country, a similar criticism that Qatar faced when they hosted the 2022 World Cup.

While the majority of international football fans understand that they will have to travel to enjoy live World Cup action, strict regulations on alcohol and gambling mean that many will stay at home or look at alternative options.

However, potential plans to relax alcohol laws in order to attract more tourists could see some facilities made available to fans. Changes in gambling legislation are unlikely, but consumers will be able to explore the best no verification betting sites that offer crypto betting facilities and can be accessed offshore.

While drinking and gambling are big money spinners for major tournaments like the World Cup, it is the potential environmental impact and human rights controversies that are making headlines.

Construction in Saudi Arabia is heavily reliant on concrete, a major contributor of harmful greenhouse gasses. Critics cite the fact that there are many other locations with existing infrastructure that are suitable for events of this magnitude.

As things stand, Saudi Arabia will embark on a massive construction plan that will see transport and manufacturing emissions increase significantly.

Another issue that campaigners have brought up surrounds human rights and the workers who will be part of construction teams. While the record books will show Qatar as being the location of Lionel Messi's Argentinian World Cup victory, there is a far less appealing legacy.

During the build-up to the World Cup, concerns were raised about the conditions of workers shipped in to complete construction work. Workers from countries including Nepal, India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka faced having their passports confiscated, poor and delayed wages, and dangerous working conditions.

Human rights campaigners have also pointed towards Saudi Arabia’s treatment of women, the LGBTQ+ community, and as well as migrants' rights, freedom of expression, and the country still employing the death penalty for certain offenses.

While the creation of new accommodation, fan locations, and the expansion of existing infrastructure will help to create jobs, the negative side-effects have been the biggest talking point about this announcement.

There are fears that new stadiums would go unused after the World Cup, a situation that came about after the 2014 Brazil World Cup where the 72,000 seater Mane Garrincha is now being used as a bus depot.

Hopefully, by the time the tournament comes around, the major talking point will be about who will win the tournament. This competition provides Saudi Arabia with the ideal opportunity to prove doubters wrong and explore human rights improvements for its citizens and potential visitors.