Saudi Arabia details ambitious 2034 World Cup stadiums and project building plan to FIFA
Associated PressPARIS — Saudi Arabia detailed a massive stadium building project Wednesday to host the 2034 World Cup in men’s soccer, with one venue 350 meters above ground in a planned futuristic city. A 46,000-seat stadium in the Neom megaproject along the Red Sea coast is “designed to stand out among the world’s most iconic landmarks,” according to the first overall World Cup plan published by Saudi soccer officials. At the UN Human Rights Council review of Saudi Arabia in January, widespread concerns raised included Australia noting “exploitation of migrant and foreign workers.” Hosting sports and entertainment events is key to the Vision 2030 plan to diversify the Saudi economy and society, driven by Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman, who is also the kingdom’s prime minister. FIFA set a July 31 deadline to get host project documents from Saudi Arabia and the only candidate to host the 2030 World Cup — a joint bid by Spain, Portugal and Morocco, plus Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay.