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Wed, December 11, 2024

Might Saudi Arabia actually be a good choice for a men's World Cup?


Published on 2024-12-11 13:25:24 - The New York Times
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  • FIFA's president, Gianni Infantino, accepted the Russian Order of Friendship from Putin in 2019, by the way. So, yes, Saudi Arabia is as suitable as those hosts were. If that bar is too low for you, and it is pretty low, ask yourself if any of those World Cups made the host nations better places after the football finished.

The article from The Athletic discusses Saudi Arabia's bid to host the 2034 FIFA World Cup, highlighting the country's growing influence in global sports as part of its Vision 2030 initiative. It outlines the strategic moves by Saudi Arabia, including significant investments in sports like football, golf, and Formula 1, to enhance its international image and diversify its economy away from oil. The piece also touches on the controversies surrounding the bid, such as human rights concerns, the potential for sportswashing, and the geopolitical implications of FIFA's decision-making process. FIFA's choice to potentially award the tournament to Saudi Arabia is framed within the context of the country's efforts to host major events, the competition from other nations, and the broader implications for football governance and ethics.

Read the Full The New York Times Article at:
[ https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5981357/2024/12/11/saudi-arabia-world-cup-fifa-choice/ ]
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