Within 72 hours of SAFF declaring its intention to bid, more than 70 FIFA Member Associations publicly pledged their support for the Kingdom (SAFF).

The Saudi Arabian Football Federation (SAFF) governing body has today submitted a letter of intent and signed declaration to soccer’s governing body FIFA to bid to host its flagship 2034 FIFA World Cup.

Saudi Arabia first announced its intention to bid for the 2034 edition on October 4, with the letter of intent, which has been signed by SAFF president Yasser Al Misehal, officially confirming the Kingdom’s commitment to the bid process set out by FIFA.

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Yasser Al Misehal, president of SAFF, said: “This is the second step of a hugely exciting journey that the nation is embarking on. Last week we announced our ambitions to host the 2034 FIFA World Cup, and this official submission continues our journey to make the dreams of our people a reality.

“The 2034 FIFA World Cup is our invitation to the world to witness Saudi Arabia’s development, experience its culture and become part of its history. We are extremely committed to presenting the most competitive bid possible that will also help unite the world through football.”

Within 72 hours of SAFF declaring its intention to bid, more than 70 FIFA Member Associations publicly pledged their support for the Kingdom.

Since 2018, Saudi Arabia has hosted more than 50 international sports events covering soccer, motorsports, tennis, equestrian, esports, and golf.

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These are all part of the Sports Clubs Investment and Privatization Project launched in early June by Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

The initiative, which aims to encourage private investment in the sports sector, is aligned with the kingdom’s Vision 2030 and will have a particular focus on soccer, with Saudi Arabia having recently hosted the 2023 African Super Cup, and the Kingdom is set to host the 2027 AFC Asian Cup national team tournament.  

The PIF also owns Newcastle United after its controversial takeover of the English Premier League club was approved in October 2021.

Outside of soccer, the sovereign wealth fund owns the LIV golf circuit, which has rivaled the traditional PGA Tour in recent years but merged with the US golf body at the beginning of June.  

The PIF is also reportedly holding talks with the ATP, the organizer of the top men’s tennis tour, about possible co-investments as the kingdom continues to expand its activities in sports.