Belgium's football association, URBSFA said on Wednesday it understood the concerns sparked by the announcement that Saudi Arabia will host the 2034 Football World Cup, but noted that the tournament "can be a catalyst for change."
The International Football Federation (FIFA) Congress officially awarded the 2030 and 2034 World Cups on Wednesday: the 2030 edition will be played in Spain, Portugal and Morocco, with three matches in South America, while the 2034 World Cup will take place in Saudi Arabia.
Following the announcement, the Belgian Union issued a statement congratulating the federations concerned and thanking them "for their efforts, their commitment and their ambitious and substantial dossiers."
URBSFA went on to express its wish to see the Red Devils qualify for both finals, adding that "their participation - like any other competition or tournament - will be carried out in a socially responsible and respectful manner."
On the hosting of the 2034 World Cup by Saudi Arabia, URBSFA said it "understands the concerns about the human rights situation and working conditions."
"As a sports federation, its primary objective is to organise football and bring fans together," the Belgian association said, "but a World Cup is much more than a sporting event; it can be a major catalyst for social change.
"Although political actors play the most important role in this respect, the URBSFA wishes to support and promote constructive developments."
The federation said it was engaged in "ongoing dialogue" with expert organisations, the Saudi Football Association and FIFA in order to "understand developments in the region and exchange expertise."
"The experience of the World Cup in Qatar has shown that dialogue and cooperation are the best means of initiating positive developments," it added.
