Arab countries, organizations and federations confirmed their support for Saudi Arabia’s candidacy to host the 2034 FIFA World Cup.
This came in official statements issued by Qatar, Kuwait, the Sultanate of Oman, Bahrain, Jordan, Mauritania and Palestine, as well as the Gulf Cooperation Council and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation.
Similar statements of support and support were also issued by the football federations in the Emirates, Iraq and Palestine, in addition to the Asian Confederation.
On Wednesday, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman announced his country’s desire to run to host the 2034 World Cup.
The International Federation of Association Football (FIFA) announced on Wednesday that the World Cup in 2034 will go to the continents of Asia and Oceania, and called on all local football federations from the two continents to submit their nominations to organize the World Cup.
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Saudi Minister of Sports, Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki bin Faisal bin Abdulaziz, said: “The Kingdom’s announcement of its intention to run for hosting the 2034 World Cup constitutes an important and natural step in our journey as a country passionate about football.”
The Saudi minister stressed, “Through its intention to nominate to host the 2034 World Cup, the Kingdom is keen to provide an unprecedented experience for everyone around the world.”
** Continuous Arab support
On Thursday, Kuwait announced in a statement by its Ministry of Foreign Affairs “its full support for Saudi Arabia’s endeavors and efforts to embrace this tournament, which reflects the comprehensive renaissance that the Kingdom and the Gulf Cooperation Council countries have achieved.”
In a statement to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Thursday, Mauritania expressed its support for the Kingdom’s candidacy to host the 2034 World Cup, stressing that “Saudi Arabia’s hoped-for victory in organizing this major global event will be added to the Kingdom’s great successes.”
Jordan also affirmed, in a statement by its Foreign Ministry, “its support for Saudi Arabia in its effort to obtain this opportunity and its absolute confidence that Saudi Arabia is capable of hosting this major international football event efficiently.”
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President Mahmoud Abbas affirmed the State of Palestine’s support for “Saudi Arabia hosting the 2034 FIFA World Cup” in a telegram he sent to Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, according to what was reported by the Palestinian News Agency on Thursday.
On Wednesday, Qatar confirmed in a statement to the Foreign Ministry its support for the Kingdom’s candidacy, expressing its “hope that Saudi efforts will culminate in winning the right to host the major international football event.”
The State of Qatar, which hosted the last World Cup in 2022, pointed to “the high capabilities that the Kingdom enjoys in various fields and its full qualification to organize that event.”
The Sultanate of Oman also expressed its support for Saudi Arabia in its candidacy to host the 2034 World Cup and its full support for its endeavor to host this tournament, according to a statement by the Foreign Ministry.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Sultanate of Oman confirmed that this desire is a reflection of the comprehensive renaissance that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Gulf Cooperation Council countries have achieved, enabling them to host various international sporting events.
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In a statement by its Foreign Ministry, Bahrain expressed its “full support for Saudi Arabia in its efforts to organize this world championship.”
At the level of organizations and bodies, the Secretary of the Gulf Cooperation Council, Jassem Al-Budaiwi, announced in a statement his support for the Kingdom’s candidacy to host the World Cup, wishing the Saudi leadership and people “all the best and success in hosting the tournament.”
The General Secretariat of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation also announced its “full support for Saudi Arabia in its intention to run for hosting the 2034 World Cup.”
She confirmed in a statement that “the Kingdom has all the human, logistical and infrastructure capabilities to present a distinguished and unprecedented version of the World Cup.”
** Football federations welcome
At the level of football federations, Sheikh Salman bin Ibrahim Al Khalifa, President of the Asian Football Confederation, announced in a statement his “full support for Saudi Arabia’s intention to submit a nomination file to host the World Cup in the 2034 edition.”
Al Khalifa added, “The Asian football family will stand united in supporting this extremely important initiative for the Kingdom, and we are committed to working closely with the global football family for its success.”
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Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa bin Ahmed Al Thani, President of the Gulf Football Association, also expressed in a statement “the federation’s support for the Kingdom’s announcement,” expressing his “confidence that the Saudi bid will be able to meet all hosting requirements.”
The UAE Football Association announced in a statement its “full support for its Saudi counterpart in the bid to host the World Cup,” stressing that “Saudi Arabia has all the ingredients for success in organizing the World Cup.”
The President of the Iraqi Football Federation, Adnan Darjal, also announced his “full support for the Kingdom’s bid to host the 2034 World Cup,” stressing that “the Saudi Football Federation’s submission of the request to host the World Cup is a success and a major step that is counted for all Arabs.”
The Palestinian Football Association also confirmed in a statement its “full support for the Saudi file.”
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia seeks to be the third Arab country to host the World Cup after the 2022 editions in Qatar and Morocco in its joint bid with Spain and Portugal for the 2030 edition.
