Australian hopes of bidding for and hosting the 2034 FIFA World Cup looked to be doomed the Asian Football Confederation threw all its support behind a bid from Saudi Arabia.
The success of the FIFA Women’s World Cup and on the back of the Matildas stirring run to the semi-finals, Football Australia had declared its intention to bid for more major tournaments.
That included the 2034 men’s World Cup but in a hammer blow the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has instead thrown it’s full support behind a bid by Saudi Arabia.
Within hours of world governing body FIFA opening the door for bids from Asia and Oceania for the 2034 event, the Saudis, who have more than $600 billion in their Public Investment Fund which is looking to lure major sporting events in all codes, confirmed their intention to pitch for the tournament.
“HRH the Crown Prince: Saudi Arabia‘s desire to bid for the 2034 FIFA World Cup is a reflection of the country’s progress in all sectors,” the Saudi Press Agency’s English outlet said.
“The Kingdom has quickly emerged as a leading hub and an international destination for hosting major events thanks to its rich cultural heritage, economic strength and the ambition of its people.”
In response the AFC, said it would “stand united in support of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia‘s momentous initiative”.
“The entire Asian football family will stand united in support of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s momentous initiative, and we are committed to working closely with the global football family to ensure its success,” AFC president Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa said in a statement on Thursday.”
The support of the AFC would be completely necessary for any Australian bid, even a joint one with other Oceanic countries after the women’s World Cup was hosted by Australia and New Zealand.
Football Australia chief executive officer James Johnson was contacted for his reaction to the news.
There had been no commitment to bid for the World Cup but Johnson had said FA would “look at” the 2034 tournament with the Asian Cup another landmark event being considered.
Saudi Arabia is already hosting the 2027 AFC Asian Cup and would become the third Asian host of the FIFA World Cup after Korea and Japan in 2002, and Qatar in 2022.
