. Saudi Arabia Likely to Host the World Cup in 2034 - News Times

Saudi Arabia Likely to Host the World Cup in 2034

By News Here - 12:08

FIFA World Cup trophy

AP Images

Australia’s soccer association on Tuesday announced it will not bid to host the 2034 Men’s World Cup. The move clears the path for Saudia Arabia to host the tournament.

The World Cup is set to be hosted in Asia or Oceania that year, and the deadline to place a bid was Tuesday. James Johnson, the head of Football Australia, previously said the country would be interested in placing a bid. On Tuesday, the organization announced it ultimately decided against it.

With Australia backing out, Saudi Arabia is the only country to have placed a bid.

“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 in a statement.

The news is just the latest in a long list of moves Saudi Arabia has made to become a major player in the sports world. Months ago, the country shook the sports world when it was announced its Public Investment Fund, which operates LIV Golf, would be entering a partnership with the PGA. Additionally, the country has hosted a number of combat sports events and most recently held the heavyweight boxing match between Tyson Fury and Francis Ngannou. Several high-profile soccer stars, including Cristiano Ronaldo, have taken their talents to Saudi Arabian clubs thanks to massive contracts.

These investments have been met with a great deal of pushback, however. Many have accused the country of “sportswashing,” a term that describes the act of investing heavily in sports to take the media’s attention away from controversy. Saudi Arabia has been at the center of multiple human rights issues as it has continued making big splashes in a number of sports.

The post Saudi Arabia Likely to Host the World Cup in 2034 first appeared on Mediaite.

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