Global sport offensive: Saudi Arabia wants 2030 World Cup

Saudi Arabia apparently wants to host the 2030 World Cup. The project will be in line with the Gulf state’s global sporting attack, which has been investing large sums of money in Formula 1, boxing, golf and Premier League club Newcastle United for some time.

In the same report, sid ,Sports Information Service) Saudi Arabia is planning a three-continent bid with Egypt and Greece for the 2030 World Cup, according to an Egyptian official at the Sports Ministry. Like the upcoming World Cup in Qatar, the tournament should again take place in the winter. Saudi Arabia is set to lead the bid to support infrastructure projects related to the World Cup in Egypt and Greece.

For some time now, the Gulf state has been investing in big sporting events like Formula 1, boxing and golf in a way that appeals to the masses. In addition, a consortium of investors led by the Saudi State Fund Public Investment Fund acquired traditional English club Newcastle United last October.

According to critics, Saudi sports participation is “sportswashing”, a public relations strategy designed to boost the country’s prestige by hosting prestigious sporting events. It aims to divert attention from political and social abuses such as human rights violations.

Should the Saudis really strive for the 2030 World Cup, they would have to win against at least two competitors. In 1930, 100 years after the first World Cup, then-hosts Uruguay, Argentina, Chile and Paraguay joined forces to bring the tournament to South America. Apart from this, Spain and Portugal want to host the World Cup together.

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Prize decisions are planned for the 74th FIFA Congress in 2024. The 2026 World Cup, in which 48 countries will participate for the first time, will be held in the United States, Canada and Mexico.