Changes to FIFA’s stadium requirements to host the 2034 World Cup could make it easier for Saudi Arabia to secure the tournament.
FIFA has relaxed the bidding rules for the 2034 World Cup when it comes to stadiums, according to a report by The Guardian. Originally, the bidding protocol for the 2030 and 2034 World Cups dictated that bidders had to submit a minimum of fourteen proposed stadiums, seven of which had to already exist; but under the 2034 rules, the threshold has been reduced to just four existing stadiums, which may include those currently under construction.
A FIFA spokesperson said: “The procurement rules require FIFA to use the 2030 requirements as a basis and adapt them where necessary and applicable to meet its purpose.”
“The need to have four existing stadiums for the 2034 edition takes into account the much longer time until the tournament and prevents the infrastructure from becoming outdated, taking into account the best possible quality.”
Saudi Arabia is the odds-on favorite to host the 2034 World Cup, which is only open to countries in Asia and Oceania after FIFA recently decided to make the 2030 World Cup a joint effort between South America, Southwestern Europe and Northern -Africa. Australia is also interested in hosting in 2034, although Asian and African support is behind the Saudi bid.
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Although candidates have been expressing interest for some time, the bidding process formally began in early October and the deadline for confirming interest is the end of the month. The tender agreements should then be concluded by the end of November.
Source: Goal