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Executives from PREM are facing a major hurdle in their mission to avert a SECOND winter World Cup.
Saudi Arabia is anticipated to be confirmed as the hosts for the 2034 tournament during a ‘virtual’ meeting of FIFA’s 211 associations today.
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FIFA president Gianni Infantino is set to lead a vote that will allocate both the 2030 and 2034 tournaments as a combined package, eliminating any opportunity for associations to contest each event individually.
In a further demonstration of Infantino’s power, the FA seems to be siding with most other European associations to endorse the two hosting decisions “by acclamation”.
The Norwegian FA is likely to be the only dissenting entity, as officials in Oslo have voiced concerns about the “flawed” selection process.
Yet, the FA, keen on hosting the 2029 Women’s World Cup, reportedly prefers not to disrupt the consensus.
The 2030 World Cup will primarily take place in Spain, Portugal, and Morocco, with the initial three matches hosted by Argentina, Uruguay, and Paraguay.
The announcement of Saudi Arabia hosting another tournament in the desert, 12 years after the first winter event in Qatar in 2022, is likely to spark backlash from Europe’s leading leagues.
Prem chief executive Richard Masters is expected to be among those opposing a winter tournament.
The Saudi tournament is anticipated to be held over 38 days starting in January 2034 to prevent clashes with the Islamic Holy month of Ramadan in November and December.
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The major leagues in Europe, worried about enduring SEVEN WEEKS without club football to accommodate the tournament, are expected to contest its timing during the season.
The 2022 World Cup concluded with Argentina emerging victorious in Qatar after a thrilling final against France.
Saudi Arabia has released new visuals of the 92,000-capacity ‘germinating seed’ King Salman Stadium as preparation for the 2034 World Cup
A detailed look at Saudi Arabia’s impressive stadiums
Riyadh
- King Salman International Stadium – 92,760
- King Fahad Sports City Stadium – 70,200
- Prince Mohammed bin Salman Stadium – 46,979
- New Murabba Stadium – 46,010
- Roshn Stadium – 46,000
- Prince Faisal bin Fahad Sports City Stadium – 46,865
- South Riyadh Stadium – 47,060
- King Saud University Stadium – 46,319
Jeddah
- King Abdullah Sports City Stadium – 58,432
- Qiddiya Coast Stadium – 46,096
- Jeddah Central Development Stadium – 45,794
- King Abdullah Economic City Stadium – 45,700
Abha
- King Khalid University Stadium – 45,428
Neom
Lionel Messi realized his dream of guiding his nation to the prestigious trophy following a dramatic penalty shootout.
England reached the quarter-finals in the tournament, eventually bowing out to finalists France.
The Three Lions will be coached by German manager Thomas Tuchel at the 2028 edition as they seek to clinch the trophy for the first time since 1966.
My Insights
NO ONE wants another winter World Cup.
Nonetheless, Prem executives are trying to sidestep the impending reality of FIFA hosting the 2034 event in Saudi Arabia during January and February.
Moving the grand event into the midst of the season once again will undoubtedly bring significant disruptions.
This situation will result in at least seven weeks without high-level matches.
Moreover, it will squeeze domestic and European schedules before and after the World Cup, resulting in even less recovery time for already fatigued players.
However, what alternatives are available when extreme temperatures of 45C and above could render Riyadh, Jeddah, and the developing city of Neom unbearable in June and July?
Given such severe heat, perhaps everyone must reluctantly accept this scenario and move forward.
