LAGOS, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA) FIFA has made crucial changes to the stadium requirements for hosting the 2034 World Cup, potentially simplifying Saudi Arabia’s bid to secure the tournament.
Initially, bidding regulations for the 2030 and 2034 World Cups demanded a minimum of 14 proposed stadiums, with seven of them already in existence.
However, the rules for the 2034 edition have reduced the threshold to just four existing stadiums, which can also include those currently under construction.
FIFA explained, “The bidding regulations require FIFA to use the 2030 requirements as a base and adapt where appropriate and applicable to make them fit for purpose.
READ ALSO: JUST IN: FIFA Orders Immediate Suspension Of Spanish Soccer Chief Over Kiss
“The requirement for four existing stadiums for the 2034 edition factors in the significantly longer lead time to the tournament and ensures top-notch infrastructure.”
Saudi Arabia is the frontrunner to host the 2034 World Cup, a competition exclusively open to bidders from Asia and Oceania, following FIFA’s decision to collaborate with South America, southwest Europe, and North Africa for the 2030 event.
While Australia has expressed interest in hosting in 2034, the Saudi bid enjoys strong support from Asian and African nations.
Although potential bidders have been expressing their interest for some time, the official bidding process only began in October, with the deadline for confirmed interest set at the end of the month.
Subsequently, bidding agreements must be finalized by the close of November.
