Soccer’s World Cup could be headed back to the Middle East.
Saudi Arabia is in line to host the 2034 event, following news that Australia will not make a bid for the tournament. The World Cup, run by FIFA, the global soccer organization, was last held in 2022 in Qatar, which marked the first time a Middle Eastern nation played host.
FIFA had given countries just 25 days to state their intentions to host the 2034 event. Saudi Arabia was quick to put its hat in the ring.
“Our bid is driven by a love for the game and a desire to see it grow in every corner of the world,” said Yasser Al Misehal, president of the Saudi Arabian Football Federation.
Saudi Arabia has invested heavily in sports as a way to build its presence on the international stage, observers have noted. As the New York Times recently reported, the country has used “its vast oil wealth to bring top stars to play in its cash-drenched soccer league; secure the biggest fights in boxing; and strike a deal to effectively seize control of global golf.”
FIFA had specifically sought bids from countries in Asia and Oceania for the 2034 event, which set up the possibility of Australia playing host. But Football Australia, the country’s soccer organization, ultimately decided against the idea.
“We have explored the opportunity to bid to host the FIFA World Cup and — having taken all factors into consideration — we have reached the conclusion not to do so for the 2034 competition,” Football Australia said on its website.
A Saudi World Cup could pose global political issues stemming from criticism of the country’s human-rights record. Some observers have called Saudi Arabia’s efforts to promote itself via athletics a form of “sportswashing” — a way to get people to look past the criticism.
The next World Cup is scheduled to take place in 2026 in North America, with hosting duties shared by the U.S., Canada and Mexico.
Source: https://www.marketwatch.com/story/saudi-arabia-in-line-to-host-soccers-2034-world-cup-63836665
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