RIYADH — Rights organisations strongly criticised Fifa on Wednesday (Dec 11) after world football's ruling body officially awarded the 2034 men's World Cup to Saudi Arabia.

Hosting the global showpiece tournament is the pinnacle of Saudi Arabia's massive push into sports and entertainment over recent years as it seeks to improve its international image.

"Fifa's reckless decision... will put many lives at risk," Steve Cockburn, Amnesty International's Head of Labour Rights and Sport, said in a statement issued by 21 bodies.

They included Saudi diaspora human rights organisations, migrant workers' groups from Nepal and Kenya, international trade unions, fans' representatives and global human rights organisations.

"Fifa knows workers will be exploited and even die without fundamental reforms in Saudi Arabia, and yet has chosen to press ahead regardless," the statement added.

Saudi Arabia has invested heavily in sport, revamping its domestic football league by signing global superstars such as Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo and Brazil's Neymar.

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