The Need for Counter Lawfare: Defending Saudi Arabia’s Selection for the 2034 FIFA World Cup

As Saudi Arabia ascends to global prominence, exemplified by its selection as the host for the 2034 FIFA World Cup, the Kingdom finds itself a target of an orchestrated campaign of malign narratives. Critics, including human rights organizations and Western interest groups, have raised concerns about Saudi Arabia’s human rights record and its implications for hosting a global sporting event. While these critiques may appear altruistic, a closer examination reveals a deliberate strategy to undermine the Kingdom’s growing influence on the global stage. To counter this, Saudi Arabia must employ counter lawfare—the strategic use of legal mechanisms and narratives to shield itself from baseless attacks and reaffirm its sovereignty.

The Allegations: A Narrative of Misdirection

Central to the criticism is the human rights context assessment prepared by AS&H Clifford Chance. Critics allege that the report “whitewashes” Saudi Arabia’s record, accusing it of selective omissions and lack of substantive engagement with issues like labour rights, gender discrimination, and freedom of expression. Organizations like Amnesty International and

Human Rights Watch claim that the report conveniently sidesteps Saudi Arabia’s supposed deficiencies.

While these critiques may seem legitimate, they betray a fundamental hypocrisy. Many of the countries spearheading these accusations have their own histories of systemic human rights violations, from racial inequities to unchecked state surveillance. Moreover, the scrutiny levelled at Saudi Arabia seems disproportionately intense compared to other nations that have hosted international events, such as Qatar in 2022 or Russia in 2018.

This disparity points to a calculated attempt to weaponize human rights discourse as a tool of geopolitical competition—a classic example of lawfare.

The Hypocrisy of Western Narratives

The West’s claims about Saudi Arabia’s human rights record must be viewed against its own shortcomings. For instance, Western economies rely heavily on undocumented migrant workers who often face exploitation and lack access to basic rights. There is persistent racial and ethnic discrimination within Western countries undermines their credibility as human rights champions. Moreover, Western states routinely curtail freedom of expression under the guise of national security or anti-terrorism laws. When viewed through this lens, the accusations against Saudi Arabia appear less as genuine concerns and more as tools to

delegitimize the Kingdom’s burgeoning global leadership.

The Role of Counter Lawfare

Counter lawfare is the strategic response to these attacks. By utilizing international law, robust public relations strategies, and advocacy within global institutions, Saudi Arabia can effectively neutralize unfounded narratives.

Reframing the Narrative

Saudi Arabia must actively challenge the premise of these critiques. For instance, human rights are not one-size-fits-all. The Kingdom has made strides in reforming its labour laws and advancing women’s rights, albeit within a framework that respects its cultural and religious identity. Moreover, hosting the World Cup is an opportunity for global unity and cultural exchange. Focusing on its potential to foster international collaboration counters the narrative of exclusion and repression.

Leveraging Legal Expertise

Saudi Arabia should engage in international legal advocacy to defend its position. It must challenge the flawed methodologies of assessments, emphasizing the political motivations behind selective reporting. Moreover, the Kingdom must highlight examples where similar critiques were unfounded or where host nations were held to lower standards.

Engaging Global Stakeholders

Saudi Arabia should invest in partnerships with neutral organizations to provide independent assessments that reflect the realities of its progress. Transparency and inclusivity will weaken the credibility of biased narratives.

Saudi Arabia’s Progress: A Counter-Narrative

Saudi Arabia has undertaken meaningful reforms that deserve recognition. The Kafala system, though criticized, has seen significant restructuring to enhance worker rights. The Ministry of Human Resources has introduced mechanisms to resolve disputes and improve working conditions. Women’s participation in the workforce has increased, and policies supporting female education and leadership roles are being implemented. Initiatives like Vision 2030 are transforming Saudi Arabia into a hub for innovation, tourism, and cultural exchange, signalling its readiness to host global events. The Kingdom’s critics conveniently ignore these advancements, focusing solely on historical grievances to sustain their arguments.

The World Cup as a Catalyst

Hosting the 2034 World Cup is not just a sporting event for Saudi Arabia—it is a statement of intent. It represents the Kingdom’s commitment to becoming a global leader, capable of promoting unity and showcasing its culture to the world. The focus on alleged human rights abuses risks overshadowing the transformative potential of this event.

Addressing Concerns

Critics have warned of potential exploitation of workers and discrimination during the event. Saudi Arabia can pre-emptively address these issues by establishing an independent body to monitor labour conditions and ensure compliance with international standards, by guaranteeing the safety and inclusion of all attendees, irrespective of nationality, gender, or orientation and by collaborating with FIFA and other stakeholders to implement transparent policies on human rights.

A Call to Action: The Need for a Saudi Lawfare Strategy

The challenges facing Saudi Arabia are not unique. Rising powers often face resistance from entrenched interests seeking to preserve the status quo. What sets successful nations apart is their ability to counter these narratives effectively. The time is ripe for Saudi Arabia to have its own counter lawfare strategy. The components of such a strategy could include (but not be limited to) (i) institutional engagement by working within international legal and human

rights frameworks to assert the Kingdom’s perspective; (ii) media advocacy by investing in global media campaigns to highlight Saudi Arabia’s progress and commitment to hosting an inclusive World Cup; (iii) pursuing litigation against entities propagating false narratives, leveraging defamation and libel laws where applicable and through partnerships and through

(iv) collaboration with neutral organizations to conduct independent, credible assessments of human rights practices. By adopting these measures, Saudi Arabia can not only counteract the current wave of propaganda but also set a precedent for addressing similar challenges in the future.

Conclusion

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s bid to host the 2034 FIFA World Cup is a testament to its rising global stature. However, this milestone is accompanied by an inevitable backlash rooted in geopolitical rivalry and outdated stereotypes. The criticisms levied against Saudi Arabia reflect a calculated strategy to undermine its progress, rather than genuine concern for human rights.

To navigate these challenges, Saudi Arabia must employ a comprehensive counter lawfare strategy. By reframing the narrative, leveraging legal expertise, and engaging with global stakeholders, the Kingdom can dismantle baseless critiques and reaffirm its position as a leader on the global stage. The World Cup is more than a sporting event; it is a platform to showcase Saudi Arabia’s transformation and its vision for the future. The Kingdom must seize this opportunity to counter propaganda with truth, ensuring that its voice is heard and respected in the international arena.