Football Australia has officially announced that it won't bid to host the 2034 FIFA World Cup, opening the door for Saudi Arabia to potentially host the men's marquee tournament. This decision was influenced by the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), which threw its support behind the Saudi bid on October 5.
On the crucial October 31 deadline, Football Australia withdrew its bid in response to the AFC's endorsement of Saudi Arabia.
Indonesia initially considered a joint bid with Australia, possibly involving Malaysia and Singapore. However, Indonesia later switched its support to Saudi Arabia, signalling the diminishing prospects of Australia's bid.
Football Australia explained their decision in a statement, stating, "We have explored the opportunity to bid to host the FIFA World Cup, and after careful consideration, we have decided not to pursue it for the 2034 competition." Instead, Australia will redirect its efforts towards securing hosting rights for the 2029 Club World Cup and the 2026 Women's Asian Cup.
The statement from Football Australia also conveyed their confidence in hosting the prestigious AFC Women's Asian Cup 2026, the oldest women's international competition. They also expressed their aspiration to welcome the world's top football teams for the highly anticipated 2029 FIFA Club World Cup.
Australia and New Zealand recently showcased their exceptional hosting capabilities by successfully co-hosting the Women's World Cup in July and August. Additionally, Brisbane, located in Queensland state, is gearing up to host the 2032 Summer Olympics, marking the third Australian city to host this prestigious global event.
With Australia withdrawing from the 2034 FIFA World Cup bid, all eyes are now on Saudi Arabia, as they emerge as the likely host for the marquee tournament. This decision aligns with Australia's focus on nurturing and promoting other international sporting events, further underlining its influential position in the world of sports.
(Powered by AI, Inputs by AP)
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