Australia has announced that it will not place a bid to host the 2034 FIFA World Cup, making Saudi Arabia a likely host for the major football event. Previously, the Australian bid was perceived as the only significant contender against the Saudi bid.
The announcement from Football Australia came just a few hours before FIFA’s declaration deadline. In their statement, they mentioned having “explored the opportunity” but decided not to pursue it for the 2034 tournament. Instead, they aim to host the Women’s Asian Cup in 2026 and the 2034 FIFA Club World Cup, building on a “golden decade for Australian football” that includes hosting the 2023 Women’s World Cup and the 2032 Brisbane Olympics.
The 2034 World Cup bids are restricted to countries from the Asian Football Confederation and the Oceania Football Confederation. With the 2026 World Cup going to North America and the 2030 tournament likely in Spain, Portugal, Morocco, and potentially South America, Saudi Arabia seems poised to capitalize on its significant sports investment.
Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki al Faisal, Saudi’s sports minister, expressed enthusiasm for the possibility of hosting the World Cup. He stated it would be a significant milestone in the country’s transformation and emphasized the nation’s burgeoning role in global sports.
However, concerns are raised over Saudi Arabia’s potential breach of FIFA’s non-discrimination against LGBTQ+ individuals, given the regulations introduced after the controversial 2022 World Cup went to Qatar. Addressing these concerns, Prince Abdulaziz highlighted the need to respect Saudi cultural norms and regulations, such as public displays of affection restrictions.
Human Rights Watch criticized FIFA, alleging negligence in enforcing its own human rights standards, specifically concerning Saudi Arabia’s bid.
FIFA’s Congress will finalize the World Cup 2034 hosts in 2024, with a decision on the Women’s World Cup 2027 host expected next year.
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