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11-08-2024
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia plans to build 11 new stadiums as part of its bid to host the 2034 men’s World Cup.
FIFA has unveiled Saudi Arabia’s formal bid book for the tournament which outlines the five proposed host cities: Riyadh, Jeddah, Al Khobar, Abha and Neom, the futuristic desert urban area located on the coast of the Red Sea that is currently under construction.
The country’s capital Riyadh will be home to eight of the 15 stadiums used at the tournament. This includes the new King Salman Stadium, a 92,000-capacity venue that is set to host the opening game and the final and become the national stadium for Saudi Arabia.
The new Neom Stadium is planned to be located in The Line, a proposed 106-mile-long linear city featuring two parallel skyscrapers connected by walkways, stretching across desert and mountains. The construction of the city has been the subject of concerns from United Nations human rights experts.
Neom Stadium will be situated more than 350 metres above the ground and it is claimed it will be “run entirely on renewable energy, generated primarily from wind and solar sources”. Construction is estimated to be completed in 2032.
Refurbishments are also planned for the existing four stadiums: King Saud University Stadium, King Abdullah Sports City Stadium, King Khalid University Stadium and King Fahad Sports City Stadium.
An additional 10 cities will be used to host training bases. The bid proposes a total of 134 training sites across Saudi Arabia: 61 existing facilities and 73 newly-built venues.
Saudi’s minister for sport, Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki bin Faisal Al Saud, said: “Together, we are working towards materialising Saudi Arabia’s dream of hosting the FIFA World Cup into a tangible reality as outlined within our official bid book. These plans will combine our rich football heritage with our deep passion for the game and will ensure Saudi Arabia’s success as the first nation to host a 48-team tournament in one country.”
Saudi Arabia was confirmed as the sole candidate to host the 2034 World Cup last October, after Australia decided not to bid.
The 2034 tournament had been guaranteed to take place in a country from the Asian Football Confederation or the Oceania Football Confederation due to CONCACAF hosting in 2026 and a jointly-held tournament between the CAF (Africa), CONMEBOL (South America) and UEFA in 2030.
Saudi Arabia hosted the 2023 FIFA Club World Cup in Jeddah in December and will also host the 2027 AFC Asian Cup.
The Gulf state strikingly lured Cristiano Ronaldo to Al Nassr last year and a significant domestic football shake-up followed last summer with confirmation that its Public Investment Fund (PIF) would take control of four teams Al Ahli, Al Hilal, Al Ittihad and Al Nassr in the Saudi Pro League (SPL). An influx of international talent followed.
Saudi Arabia has faced international criticism for its human rights record and treatment of dissidents and human rights activists. LGBTQ+ rights are not recognized by the government.
The 2034 bid book states: “Should Saudi Arabia be awarded the FIFA World Cup 2034, the competition would serve as a unique opportunity to celebrate the country’s commitment to environmental sustainability and human rights alongside its passion for football.” (Int’l News Desk)
