Saudi Arabia’s growing influence and massive spending in global sports have been detailed in research ahead of the kingdom being confirmed by FIFA next week as the 2034 World Cup host. The report was published by Play The Game which is a publicly funded sports ethics institute in Denmark.
FILE - Saudi Arabia Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, left, and FIFA President Gianni Infantino, stand for the anthem prior to the match between Russia and Saudi Arabia which opened the 2018 soccer World Cup at the Luzhniki stadium in Moscow, Russia, on June 14, 2018. Newcastle United’s Sandro Tonali, left, and Crystal Palace’s Ismaila Sarr battle for the ball during the English Premier League soccer match between Crystal Palace and Newcastle United at Selhurst Park, London, Saturday Nov.
“The awarding of the 2034 World Cup to Saudi Arabia is merely the culmination of years of strategic investments and behind-the-scenes manoeuvring,” said the report, called “Saudi Arabia’s grip on world sport.”in April to an elevated World Cup sponsor category of “major worldwide partner,” worth a reported $100 million each year through 2027.
“Aramco and FIFA intend to leverage the power of football to create impactful social initiatives around the world,” FIFA said in April. Infantino has not taken questions from international media, nor held a news conference, in the 14 months since the Saudi candidacy was declared. No news conference is scheduled on Dec. 11 at FIFA headquarters after the closed-doors meeting.
Soccer Saudi Arabia Government Saudi Arabia Sports - Europe Sports Denmark FIFA Mohammad Bin Salman Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Saudi Arabia Gives First Look at Planned 2034 World Cup Soccer StadiumLocated in northern Riyadh, the 92,000-seat stadium will be the largest in the country and is scheduled for completion in 2029.
Read more »
FIFA inspection praises Saudi Arabia bid to host 2034 World Cup ahead of Dec. 11 decisionFIFA has approved the quality of Saudi Arabia's bid to host the 2034 World Cup in a 110-page evaluation that noted higher risks related to human rights in the oil-rich kingdom. FIFA member federations are set to pick Saudi by acclamation at an online meeting on Dec. 11. They will also pick a Spain-Portugal-Morocco co-host bid for the 2030 edition.
Read more »
Salt Lake County Zoo, Arts & Parks Initiative reauthorized through 2034For a fourth time, Salt Lake County residents have voted to re-authorize the Zoo, Arts & Parks (ZAP) tax. According to the county, the initiative received 79% of the vote for re-authorization.
Read more »
California Sets 15% Goal for Primary Care Spending by 2034A California agency charged with slowing health costs has set a lofty goal for insurers to direct 15% of their spending to primary care by 2034.
Read more »
Inspección de FIFA elogia candidatura de Arabia Saudita para el Mundial 2034Antes de otorgar a Arabia Saudí la sede de la Copa del Mundo masculina 2034, la FIFA aprobó la calidad de su candidatura, según un reporte de 110 páginas dado a conocer el sábado y que señaló mayores riesgos relacionados con los derechos humanos en el reino petrolero.
Read more »
Amnesty International warns FIFA of ‘real and predictable human cost’ of awarding 2034 World Cup to Saudi ArabiaAmnesty International has urged FIFA to halt the process of awarding Saudi Arabia the 2034 World Cup until major human rights reforms are announced.
Read more »