DFB President Bernd Neuendorf has defended Saudi Arabia as the likely host of the 2034 World Cup. In contrast to Qatar, where the 2022 World Cup was held, the kingdom is a “real football country,” said Neuendorf New Westphalian. He recently got an idea on site with other association heads from Europe. “It has already become clear that the Saudis are not just interested in signing expensive stars for their top clubs. In order to develop football, they are building many new football pitches, want to train coaches and players well, and develop girls’ and women’s football,” Neuendorf said.
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He also noticed the Saudi Arabian enthusiasm for the sport, he continued: “The euphoria and joy of the many Saudi fans during the World Cup in Qatar, especially after the opening victory over eventual world champions Argentina, was impressive,” said the DFB -President. Nevertheless, he believes that Europe will remain “the number one football region in the world”.
Saudi Arabia is the only candidate to host the 2034 World Cup. The country has invested billions in various sports in recent years, especially football. Numerous superstars such as Cristiano Ronaldo were lured into the league with exorbitant sums of money, and the kingdom’s sovereign wealth fund also took over the majority of the shares in the English club Newcastle United. The desert state, which has been criticized for alleged human rights violations, is accused of simply wanting to cultivate its image.
The Spanish and Italian leagues recently also held their Supercup finals in the country. UEFA President Aleksander Čeferin ruled out the possibility of a Champions League final being played in the kingdom, at least during his term in office, as he said in Hamburg. At the same time, he qualified: “But I won’t be there forever.” The Slovenian has been in office since autumn 2016. In April 2023 he was re-elected for a second time for four years.
DFB President Bernd Neuendorf has defended Saudi Arabia as the likely host of the 2034 World Cup. In contrast to Qatar, where the 2022 World Cup was held, the kingdom is a “real football country,” said Neuendorf New Westphalian. He recently got an idea on site with other association heads from Europe. “It has already become clear that the Saudis are not just interested in signing expensive stars for their top clubs. In order to develop football, they are building many new football pitches, want to train coaches and players well, and develop girls’ and women’s football,” Neuendorf said.
