Africa-Press – Eswatini. The Eswatini Football Association (EFA) has conveyed its support to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in hosting the 2034 FIFA World Cup.
Following FIFA’s confirmation last week that only countries from Asia and Oceania will be eligible to bid for the flagship event, Saudi Arabia formally informed the International Federation of Football Association (FIFA) of its wish to host the men’s World Cup in 2034 on Monday, in a bidding contest that increasingly looks designed for the Middle East kingdom to win. The Saudi Arabian football submitted a letter of intent and signed declaration to FIFA to bid in a vote that is open only to members of the Asian and Oceania football governing bodies.
Last week, FIFA set tight deadlines of October 31 to formally express interest in hosting, and to return a signed bidding agreement that requires the support of national governments by November 30. EFA, through the office of Marketing and Communications Officer Muzi ‘Rhoo’ Radebe, confirmed the support they have pledged to Saudi Arabia. “Yes, we have pledged to support Saudi Arabia as we believe that they are capable of hosting the ultimate football event,” Radebe said.
Decision
FIFA members will have the final rubber-stamping decision on picking the 2030 and 2034 World Cup hosts late next year, though the 37-member FIFA Council chaired by President Gianni Infantino has already shaped the process. A Saudi-hosted World Cup, as in Qatar last year, would likely be played in November-December during the heart of the European season and that will require dealing with influential European clubs and domestic leagues. Meanwhile, Argentina was the last nation to win the 2022 World Cup in Lusail, Qatar, defeating France with a 3-3 (4-2 penalty) final score after a nail-biting match that concluded in a penalty shoot-out.
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