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Prime News delivers timely, accurate news and insights on global events, politics, business, and technology
The Football Association (FA) is ready to support Saudi Arabia’s bid to host the 2034 FIFA World Cup, as well as the multinational co-hosting of the 2030 tournament.
While the FA has yet to officially declare its stance, as reported by the BBC, English football’s governing body will support both bids during the online FIFA Congress on Wednesday, where official confirmation of the hosts will take place. A formal statement explaining the FA’s position is expected after the Congress.
Saudi Arabia remains the only bidder for the 2034 tournament, making its selection almost certain. Meanwhile, the 2030 World Cup will be awarded to unopposed co-hosts Spain, Morocco and Portugal, with Uruguay, Argentina and Paraguay hosting the first celebratory matches to mark the tournament’s centenary.
The FA’s expected backing of Saudi Arabia is likely to draw criticism due to the kingdom’s human rights record and discriminatory laws. Some FA officials have reportedly been concerned by accusations of hypocrisy, particularly if England refused to back the bid but then participated in the tournament.
Instead of a traditional vote, FIFA is expected to confirm nominations by acclamation, a process in which federations show their support with applause. Delegates will vote collectively on both offers, with no option to separate their options.
Not all federations agree. Norway’s football federation has announced it will abstain, arguing that FIFA’s bidding process undermines its own good governance reforms.
However, the German National Football Federation (DFB) declared its support for both candidacies last week. DFB president Bernd Neuendorf explained that the decision was carefully considered despite concerns.
“We take the criticism of the candidate country seriously and we will continue dialogue,” Neuendorf said. “Our goal is to work together with FIFA to improve the situation in the coming years.”