Saudi Arabia is very ambitious to host the FIFA World Cup 2034 and it has nothing to do with sports washing. Hammad Albalawai, Head of the Saudi Arabian Football Federation (SAFF), says the kingdom is passionate about football. The Middle East country wants to become the first single host nation of a 48-team FIFA World Cup.
SAFF embarked on its bid campaign, in March 2024, under the slogan ‘Growing. Together to host the FIFA World Cup 2034. However, Saudi Arabia has been facing criticism for human rights problems. Albalawai said they are on a journey of remarkable transformation. He highlighted that Saudi Arabia is willing to host the alcohol-free tournament in the summer.
The executive believes the World Cup in Saudi Arabia would be ‘magical’. He assured the international community that the kingdom’s bid to host the international tournament is not about sports washing or making headlines. Albalawai said they are doing it for the people of Saudi Arabia.
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Moreover, Saudi Arabia has made a name for itself in the world of football through the Saudi Pro League which features big names like Cristiano Ronaldo, Jordan Henderson, and N’Golo Kante, among others. SAFF wants to share its love and passion for football by bringing international football stars to their stadium for the FIFA World Cup 2034.
Albalawai shared that Saudi Arabia has hosted over a hundred sporting events, including the annual Formula One race, WWE shows, the world’s richest horse race, and heavyweight boxing matches, welcoming over two million sports fans with no alcohol. He highlighted that they had a good time and discovered that the kingdom had a lot to offer.
