2034 World Cup: Australia pull out, way clear for Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia is almost certain to win the 2034 men’s soccer World Cup as the Australian confederation has opted not to submit its bid.

there FIFA The deadline for submission of applications for the prestigious competition was set for Tuesday. Australia’s departure from this practice means Saudi Arabia now operates alone.

We evaluated all our options with a view to submitting our bid for the World Cup. FIFA Further, considering all the factors, we have come to the decision not to participate in the process for the 2034 tournament.Football Australia said in a statement.

there FIFA The selection of Saudi Arabia as the host country is still subject to approval. A decision is due next year, but it looks like a mere formality for the tiny country, one of the planet’s biggest oil producers.

It would be the final touch to his ambitious plan to become a major player on the international sporting stage by luring many stars to their local clubs, buying English club Newcastle, launching the LIV golf circuit and hosting several major boxing galas.

The massive investment plan in the sport, endorsed by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, is often described as a move. Washing the game To soften the country’s image abroad, tarnished by women’s rights and the assassination of journalist Jamal Khashoggi in 2018.

Chairman of FIFA Gianni Infantino maintains good relations with the Saudi football federation and the crown prince, and giving the Middle Eastern country a major football tournament has long been one of his priorities.

After awarding the 2030 World Cup to a joint bid by Spain, Portugal and Morocco – with some matches also being hosted in South America – FIFA Earlier this month it decided to speed up the process of awarding the 2034 tournament, which is limited to member confederations located in Asia and Oceania.

The extremely short deadline gave confederations only four weeks to indicate their interest, and an additional month to finalize funding agreements with their national governments.