By Tom Morgan
Riyadh: Saudi Arabia is seriously considering an audacious and hugely controversial double bid to host the Olympics and World Cup in the same decade.
As the current World Cup in Qatar reaches its finale, the rival nation’s sports minister told London’s Daily Telegraph of the kingdom’s “incredibly ambitious” plans.
Other Riyadh-based government sources confirmed for the first time a 2030 bid is “all but certain” after much speculation over the country’s position. Separate World Cup insiders claim a joint bid with Egypt and Greece would be regarded by FIFA as a serious frontrunner.
Talks around potentially going head to head with Qatar for the 2036 Olympics are at a much less advanced stage. However, Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al-Faisal, the Saudi sports minister, says the country is equipped to host both.
“There’s no doubt that it would be the ultimate honour and privilege for any country to host the World Cup,” he said. “I am sure no one would turn down the opportunity if it came around. We’ve all seen what it meant to the entire Arab world here in Doha.”
Prince Abdulaziz maintained “no decision has been made” over whether they would bid for the World Cup, although insiders privately said it was a “matter of when not if” they will launch a campaign.
Riyadh recently played host to the Diriyah Tennis Cup, which lured names such as Taylor Fritz and Australia’s Nick Kyrgios.Credit:Getty
“We have very big sporting ambitions in Saudi Arabia and are confident we have many of the qualities, values and experience needed to host any competition, from passionate fans to infrastructure to the desire to open our country and bring the world together,” he said.
Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk look set for a heavyweight showdown next year in Saudi Arabia, which also hosts the Asian Games in 2034. Anthony Joshua has already fought in Riyadh and the city has hosted Formula One on two occasions.
Of a potential 2036 Olympic bid, he added: “I think we now have all that it takes to host any tournament that comes our way… I am not in a position to comment on specific bids, but I can tell you that we always keep an eye out on different events and sports properties that we could partner with.”
Under the Vision 2030 agenda championed by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, billions have already been spent on sport as the country attempts to diversify away from oil.
Saudi sports minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al-Faisal celebrates with the national team following their shock win over Argentina at the World Cup.Credit:Getty
The office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights warned just weeks ago that “executions are taking place almost daily”.
In response to allegations the country is attempting to “sportswash” its reputation, the sports minister said: “I invite anyone interested in Saudi Arabia to come to our country and see what we’re doing for themselves.
“we’re working very hard at the Ministry of Sport to inspire our people to get involved with sport, whether on an amateur or professional level. Hosting international events forms just one part of what we are doing today.”
Telegraph, London
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