Saudi Arabia’s journey from 90s novelty to World Cup power grab

From USA 94 to Ronaldo, via Putin and Newcastle, the 2034 hosts-elect are now at the heart of football politics

Saudi Arabia’s football history is lengthy and the country has long been one of the biggest players in the Asian Football Confederation (AFC). The Saudi Arabian Football Federation (SAFF) was founded in 1956. The country’s first international came the following year, at the same time as the foundation of its most successful club side, Al-Hilal (the other three clubs in Saudi’s big four – Al-Ittihad, Al-Nassr and Al-Ahli – are older). A Saudi league was established in the 1970s but it was not until the 80s that the country featured in its first international tournament, the AFC Asian Cup, which it won in 1984.

Topics

Why Saudi Arabia Being Awarded the 2034 World Cup Is So Controversial

Human-rights groups have criticized Saudi Arabia’s suitability to stage the finals since before the country launched a formal bid to host.
The New York Times - 35m
Saudi Arabia awarded 2034 World Cup, drawing criticism from human rights groups

The 2034 World Cup was officially awarded to Saudi Arabia, FIFA president Gianni Infantino announced Wednesday following a virtual congress.
NBC News - 4h
Fifa confirms Saudi Arabia as host of 2034 World Cup

Kingdom’s unopposed bid for sporting event ratified by football’s governing body on Wednesday
Financial Times - 7h
Fifa confirms Saudi Arabia as 2034 World Cup hosts

Fifa confirms the 2034 World Cup will be held in Saudi Arabia, while Spain, Portugal and Morocco will serve as joint hosts for the 2030 tournament.
BBC News - 7h
Saudi Arabia confirmed as 2034 World Cup football host by Fifa – live

Saudi Arabia confirmed despite human rights concerns A history of World Cup sportswashing | And email Niall Gianni Infantino is seated alongside the general secretary, Mattias Grafström, ...
The Guardian - 7h
FIFA faces backlash as Saudi Arabia chosen to host 2034 World Cup

There was controversy over the choice of Saudi Arabia as the host of the 2034 World Cup due to the country's human rights record.
CBS News - 7h
FA set to back Saudi Arabia's 2034 World Cup bid

The FA is set to back Saudi Arabia's controversial bid to host the 2034 World Cup.
BBC News - 10h
DFB votes in favour of 2034 Saudi Arabia World Cup

Yahoo News - 5d
Saudi Arabia's network of spending and influence detailed before getting 2034 World Cup from FIFA

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
ABC News - Dec. 2