Saudi Crown Prince endorses Kingdom’s FIFA World Cup 2034 bid

The Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister, Mohammed bin Salman, endorsed Saudi Arabia's bid to host the FIFA World Cup 2034. The endorsement comes following the conclusion of the bid's detailed requirements ahead of the bid book submission to FIFA in the French capital, Paris, according to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA). The Saudi delegation led by Minister of Sport and President of the Saudi Olympic and Paralympic Committee Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki bin Faisal Al-Saud, and President of the Saudi Arabian Football Federation (SAFF) Yasser Al-Misehal. Marking this significant milestone, Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki expressed his sincere appreciation and gratitude to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and the Crown Prince for their support and guidance offered to the vital sport sector. "The Kingdom has become a global home of sport during a time when the country is experiencing unprecedented growth and transformation due to King's support", he added. He stated, "We are commi tted to hosting an exceptional edition of the FIFA World Cup set to feature 48 teams in a single country for the first time in the history of the competition". "The Crown Prince's direct supervision of Saudi Arabia's ambitions of hosting this iconic global football event showcases his commitment to elevating the future of Saudi sport, in line with Vision 2030, and help nurture a generation of athletes capable of competing at the highest global stage," he noted. The official bid book submission will take place in a ceremony held by FIFA in Paris as part of the FIFA World Cup 2034 bid journey, which commenced on 4 October 2023 when Saudi Arabia, via the Saudi Arabian Football Federation, announced its intention to bid. Later, the Saudi Arabian Football Federation submitted its official letter of intent to FIFA, before the bid brand identity was revealed under the slogan 'Growing. Together.' The bid period is set to conclude in December later this year when FIFA officially announces the host nation of the FIFA World Cup 2034 during a General Assembly meeting. Source: Kuwait News Agency