Club World Cup let visitors see how Saudi Arabia wants to change ahead of 2034 World Cup
1 year, 2 months ago

Club World Cup let visitors see how Saudi Arabia wants to change ahead of 2034 World Cup

Associated Press  

JEDDAH, Saudi Arabia — In Saudi Arabia this week to work at the Club World Cup, seeing a woman driving a car on the busy roads of Jeddah was proving elusive. The brief Club World Cup that ended on Friday was awarded to Saudi Arabia in February and was the first FIFA event played in the kingdom since the 1990s. “All the people took care of us incredibly well in the hotel,” Pep Guardiola, coach of the winning team Manchester City, said in the early hours of Saturday, adding: “The pitch could be better.” Guardiola and the coach of beaten finalist Fluminense, Fernando Diniz, were unhappy with the playing surface at King Abdullah Sports City, which will be a 2034 World Cup venue. Hundreds of fans sat in lines of benches and folding chairs to watch a Saudi Arabia vs Yemen title game for West Asian junior championship on big screens put up by Club World Cup organizers.

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History of this topic

Saudi Arabia confirm alcohol ban in 2034 FIFA World Cup: ‘Don’t want to change our culture’
1 month ago

Saudi Arabia confirm alcohol ban in 2034 FIFA World Cup: ‘Don’t want to change our culture’

Firstpost  

Saudi Arabia has confirmed that alcohol will not be sold at the 2034 FIFA World Cup, with Ambassador Prince Khalid bin Bandar stating that the country will uphold its strict ban. Saudi Ambassador to the UK has created a rift with his comment on alcohol ban during FIFA World Cup 2024. Saudi Arabia confirms alcohol ban during 2024 FIFA World …

No alcohol allowed in FIFA World Cup 2034, LGBTQ fans welcome
1 month ago

No alcohol allowed in FIFA World Cup 2034, LGBTQ fans welcome

The Hindu  

Saudi Arabia will uphold its current ban on alcohol during the 2034 World Cup, said Khalid bin Bandar Al Saud, the host country’s ambassador to the United Kingdom. Global football governing body FIFA officially announced Saudi as host of the 2034 World Cup in December. “Plenty of fun can be had without alcohol - it’s not 100 per cent necessary …

UN labor agency head praises relations with Saudi Arabia during investigation of 2034 World Cup host
2 months ago

UN labor agency head praises relations with Saudi Arabia during investigation of 2034 World Cup host

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy The head of the United …

Saudi Arabia's treatment of women under scrutiny after footballers' wives ‘groped, filmed’ in Jeddah
2 months ago

Saudi Arabia's treatment of women under scrutiny after footballers' wives ‘groped, filmed’ in Jeddah

Firstpost  

The wives of two Mallorca footballers have alleged that they were ‘groped and filmed’ by local fans at a stadium in the Saudi Arabian city of Jeddah after a Spanish Super Cup semi-final on Thursday, which was won by Real Madrid. Image: AP Questions are being raised about Saudi Arabia being awarded the after the wives of two footballers alleged …

Roberto Mancini denies interference during his time as Saudi Arabia’s head coach
2 months, 2 weeks ago

Roberto Mancini denies interference during his time as Saudi Arabia’s head coach

The Hindu  

Former Italy and Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini on Thursday dismissed claims that he had experienced interference during his spell with the Saudi Arabian national football team. “I would like to say this for the last time, during my career there was absolutely no interference in the selection of players and I am happy with my experience and work in …

Backing Saudi World Cup bid ‘wasn’t a difficult decision’, says FA chair
3 months ago

Backing Saudi World Cup bid ‘wasn’t a difficult decision’, says FA chair

The Hindu  

England’s FA decided to back Saudi Arabia’s bid to host the 2034 World Cup after being reassured by answers it received from the Saudi Arabian Football Federation during a meeting last month, chair Debbie Hewitt said on Friday. Global soccer governing body FIFA officially awarded the World Cup to the Kingdom on Wednesday, with the sole bid for the tournament …

Saudi Arabia’s plans to host the men’s World Cup 2034 will be harmful for the climate, experts say
Trending News
3 months ago

Saudi Arabia’s plans to host the men’s World Cup 2034 will be harmful for the climate, experts say

Associated Press  

As the newly-named host of the 2034 World Cup in men’s soccer, Saudi Arabia says it will construct or renovate 15 stadiums, create a futuristic city and expand airports in a massive buildout to accommodate millions of athletes, coaches and spectators. The King Abdullah sports city stadium stands in Jiddah, Saudi Arabia, Saturday, Jan. 11, 2020, on the eve of …

Explained: Why announcement of Saudi Arabia as 2034 FIFA World Cup hosts is controversial
Trending News
3 months ago

Explained: Why announcement of Saudi Arabia as 2034 FIFA World Cup hosts is controversial

Firstpost  

The announcement of Saudi Arabia being named as hosts of the 2034 FIFA World Cup has created controversy among the human rights groups. The announcement of Saudi Arabia hosting the FIFA World Cup in 10 years’ time, however, has raised controversy. Why is Saudi Arabia hosting 2034 FIFA World Cup controversial There are still 10 more years for the 2034 …

Saudi Arabia to host World Cup 2034: FIFA slammed by Australia players union
3 months ago

Saudi Arabia to host World Cup 2034: FIFA slammed by Australia players union

India Today  

Australia's professional soccer players union has condemned the awarding of the 2034 World Cup to Saudi Arabia, saying significant human rights risks are attached to the tournament while questioning FIFA's ability to prevent harm from occurring. "By securing hosting rights to the global game’s most prestigious event, Saudi Arabia and FIFA must ensure the rights of everyone affected by the …

Saudi Arabia to host 2034 FIFA World Cup despite human rights sportswashing concerns
Top News
3 months ago

Saudi Arabia to host 2034 FIFA World Cup despite human rights sportswashing concerns

ABC  

FIFA has announced Saudi Arabia as the host for the 2034 men's World Cup, despite a growing number of organisations criticising the country's human rights record and accusing it of sportswashing. Human rights organisations have rejected that assessment, saying Saudi Arabia's human rights record is unacceptable and the bid presents a direct risk to the lives of workers who will …

FIFA's Saudi Arabia World Cup decision to send human rights shockwaves through football
3 months ago

FIFA's Saudi Arabia World Cup decision to send human rights shockwaves through football

ABC  

FIFA's decision to award the 2034 men's World Cup to the sole bidder Saudi Arabia has already been widely condemned on human rights grounds, but those protests will fall on deaf ears. "By securing hosting rights to the global game's most prestigious event, Saudi Arabia and FIFA must ensure the rights of everyone affected by the 2034 Men's World Cup …

Saudi Arabia confirmed as 2034 World Cup hosts at online FIFA Congress
Trending News
3 months ago

Saudi Arabia confirmed as 2034 World Cup hosts at online FIFA Congress

The Independent  

Sign up to Miguel Delaney’s Reading the Game newsletter sent straight to your inbox for free Sign up to Miguel’s Delaney’s free weekly newsletter Sign up to Miguel’s Delaney’s free weekly newsletter SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Saudi Arabia’s hugely controversial hosting of the 2034 …

Awarding of 2034 World Cup to Saudi Arabia will put ‘many lives at risk’, Amnesty International warns
3 months ago

Awarding of 2034 World Cup to Saudi Arabia will put ‘many lives at risk’, Amnesty International warns

The Independent  

Sign up to Miguel Delaney’s Reading the Game newsletter sent straight to your inbox for free Sign up to Miguel’s Delaney’s free weekly newsletter Sign up to Miguel’s Delaney’s free weekly newsletter SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Many lives will be put at risk by …

FA explains decision to back Saudi Arabia as 2034 World Cup hosts despite human rights concerns
3 months ago

FA explains decision to back Saudi Arabia as 2034 World Cup hosts despite human rights concerns

The Independent  

Sign up to Miguel Delaney’s Reading the Game newsletter sent straight to your inbox for free Sign up to Miguel’s Delaney’s free weekly newsletter Sign up to Miguel’s Delaney’s free weekly newsletter SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy The Football Association has explained its decision to …

Soccer-Saudi Arabia's human rights record under fire after World Cup bid win
3 months ago

Soccer-Saudi Arabia's human rights record under fire after World Cup bid win

Hindustan Times  

By Julien Pretot Soccer-Saudi Arabia's human rights record under fire after World Cup bid win Dec 11 - Amnesty International lashed out at FIFA for awarding Saudi Arabia the organisation of the 2034 men's soccer World Cup, claiming the move would put lives at risk amid criticism of the country's human rights record on Wednesday. "FIFA's reckless decision to award …

The silence surrounding Saudi Arabia World Cup 2034 confirmation reveals Fifa’s grand plan
3 months ago

The silence surrounding Saudi Arabia World Cup 2034 confirmation reveals Fifa’s grand plan

The Independent  

Sign up to Miguel Delaney’s Reading the Game newsletter sent straight to your inbox for free Sign up to Miguel’s Delaney’s free weekly newsletter Sign up to Miguel’s Delaney’s free weekly newsletter SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy As late as Monday evening, members of the …

FA to back Saudi Arabia’s bid to host 2034 World Cup
3 months ago

FA to back Saudi Arabia’s bid to host 2034 World Cup

The Independent  

Sign up to Miguel Delaney’s Reading the Game newsletter sent straight to your inbox for free Sign up to Miguel’s Delaney’s free weekly newsletter Sign up to Miguel’s Delaney’s free weekly newsletter SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy The Football Association will support Saudi Arabia’s bid …

Norway plans protest over decision to award 2034 World Cup to Saudi Arabia
3 months ago

Norway plans protest over decision to award 2034 World Cup to Saudi Arabia

The Independent  

Sign up to Miguel Delaney’s Reading the Game newsletter sent straight to your inbox for free Sign up to Miguel’s Delaney’s free weekly newsletter Sign up to Miguel’s Delaney’s free weekly newsletter SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Norway’s football federation plans to abstain from giving …

FIFA to confirm World Cup hosts, Saudi Arabia set to stage 2034 tournament
3 months ago

FIFA to confirm World Cup hosts, Saudi Arabia set to stage 2034 tournament

Hindustan Times  

FIFA is set to confirm the hosts of the 2030 and 2034 men's World Cups on Wednesday, with a three-continent, six-nation bid led by Morocco, Spain and Portugal to be awarded the former and the latter going to Saudi Arabia. BIDS Morocco, Spain and Portugal's combined proposal will see the 2030 World Cup take place across three continents and six …

Saudi Arabia to host 2034 FIFA World Cup; rights groups condemn decision as 'moment of great danger'
3 months ago

Saudi Arabia to host 2034 FIFA World Cup; rights groups condemn decision as 'moment of great danger'

New Indian Express  

FIFA had invoked its principle of rotating the World Cup between continents, which meant only bids from Asia or Oceania were welcome for 2034. Rights groups flay decision The decision to award the world cup to Saudi Arabia puts the lives of construction workers at risk and "marks a moment of great danger", Amnesty International and 20 other organisations warned …

FIFA names Saudi Arabia as World Cup 2034 host; Morocco to co-stage 2030
3 months ago

FIFA names Saudi Arabia as World Cup 2034 host; Morocco to co-stage 2030

Al Jazeera  

FIFA Congress confirms the Middle East nation’s bid for 2034 – with Morocco, Spain and Portugal to co-host 2030 edition. The world footballing body, FIFA, has officially named Saudi Arabia as the host nation of the FIFA World Cup 2034. The Extraordinary FIFA Congress meeting, held on Wednesday, also confirmed Morocco, Spain and Portugal as co-hosts of the 2030 World …

Saudi Arabia will host the 2034 FIFA World Cup — a controversial pick
3 months ago

Saudi Arabia will host the 2034 FIFA World Cup — a controversial pick

NPR  

Saudi Arabia will host the 2034 FIFA World Cup — a controversial pick toggle caption Mahmoud Khaled/Getty Images The world's largest sporting event, the FIFA World Cup, will be held in Saudi Arabia in 2034, soccer's governing body announced Wednesday — a controversial selection that has already drawn criticism from human rights groups. And it is the biggest jewel yet …

Saudi Arabia officially announced as the 2034 World Cup host. Human rights groups warn of ‘unimaginable human cost’
3 months ago

Saudi Arabia officially announced as the 2034 World Cup host. Human rights groups warn of ‘unimaginable human cost’

CNN  

CNN — Global soccer governing body FIFA has officially announced the hosts for the next two men’s World Cups. Michael Page, deputy Middle East and North Africa director at Human Rights Watch, recently warned of an “unimaginable human cost” to hosting arguably the world’s biggest sporting event in Saudi Arabia. In its report, FIFA added that “there is a good …

FIFA confirms Saudi Arabia as 2034 World Cup host, six nations as 2030 hosts – all you need to know
3 months ago

FIFA confirms Saudi Arabia as 2034 World Cup host, six nations as 2030 hosts – all you need to know

New York Times  

Saudi Arabia has been officially confirmed as the host nation of the 2034 men’s World Cup. GO DEEPER Report on 2034 World Cup bidders Saudi Arabia is 'flawed', say 11 human rights groups The 2026 World Cup will be hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico while the 2030 version will be hosted across three continents and six nations. …

Saudi Arabia to host FIFA World Cup 2034: When and where will it be staged?
3 months ago

Saudi Arabia to host FIFA World Cup 2034: When and where will it be staged?

Al Jazeera  

Months of speculation about the World Cup 2034 host were put to rest when FIFA awarded the tournament to Saudi Arabia. Football’s world governing body, FIFA, confirmed Saudi Arabia as the host country for the FIFA World Cup on Wednesday. Securing the 2034 FIFA World Cup was a central part of the kingdom’s “Vision 2030” economic strategy, spearheaded by the …

The silence surrounding Saudi Arabia World Cup 2034 confirmation reveals Fifa’s grand plan
3 months, 1 week ago

The silence surrounding Saudi Arabia World Cup 2034 confirmation reveals Fifa’s grand plan

The Independent  

Sign up to Miguel Delaney’s Reading the Game newsletter sent straight to your inbox for free Sign up to Miguel’s Delaney’s free weekly newsletter Sign up to Miguel’s Delaney’s free weekly newsletter SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy As late as Monday evening, members of the …

FIFA to confirm World Cup hosts, Saudi set to stage 2034 tournament
Trending News
3 months, 1 week ago

FIFA to confirm World Cup hosts, Saudi set to stage 2034 tournament

India Today  

FIFA is set to confirm the hosts of the 2030 and 2034 men's World Cups on Wednesday, with a three-continent, six-nation bid led by Morocco, Spain and Portugal to be awarded the former and the latter going to Saudi Arabia. BIDS Morocco, Spain and Portugal's combined proposal will see the 2030 World Cup take place across three continents and six …

World Cup hosting decisions set to kick off a decade of scrutiny on Saudi Arabia and FIFA
3 months, 1 week ago

World Cup hosting decisions set to kick off a decade of scrutiny on Saudi Arabia and FIFA

Associated Press  

GENEVA — The inevitable result has been clear since last year: Saudi Arabia will be confirmed by FIFA as the 2034 World Cup host on Wednesday. FIFA published each member’s choice in June 2018 in Moscow when the United States, Canada and Mexico won the 2026 World Cup hosting vote 134-65 against Morocco. There is skepticism FIFA and Saudi Arabia …

Head of UN human rights promises advice to FIFA and Saudi Arabia over 2034 World Cup issues
3 months, 1 week ago

Head of UN human rights promises advice to FIFA and Saudi Arabia over 2034 World Cup issues

Associated Press  

GENEVA — Two days before FIFA confirms Saudi Arabia as the 2034 World Cup host, the United Nations’ top human rights official pledged Monday to try to ensure migrant labor standards are “properly respected” around the tournament. On Monday, the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, said his organization in Geneva was not directly engaged by FIFA …

The FA 'is still weighing up whether to officially endorse Saudi Arabia's 2034 World Cup bid', amid human rights concerns - after Germany controversially gave the Middle Eastern state its backing
3 months, 1 week ago

The FA 'is still weighing up whether to officially endorse Saudi Arabia's 2034 World Cup bid', amid human rights concerns - after Germany controversially gave the Middle Eastern state its backing

Daily Mail  

The FA is reportedly yet to decide whether it will officially endorse Saudi Arabia's bid to host the 2034 World Cup. However, Saudi Arabia's status as potential hosts has proven to be hugely controversial given their human rights record, criminalisation of the LGBTQ+ community and restrictions on women's rights. The FA is reportedly yet to decide whether it will endorse …

FIFA urged not to give 2034 World Cup to Saudi Arabia in report alleging abuses of migrant labour
3 months, 1 week ago

FIFA urged not to give 2034 World Cup to Saudi Arabia in report alleging abuses of migrant labour

The Hindu  

FIFA was urged on Wednesday not to give Saudi Arabia the 2034 World Cup hosting rights next week without binding commitments to protect migrant labour working on massive projects in the kingdom. Human Rights Watch detailed alleged abuses after speaking to more than 150 current and former workers, and families of some who died in Saudi Arabia, over two years …

Saudi Arabia’s network of spending and influence detailed before getting 2034 World Cup from FIFA
3 months, 2 weeks ago

Saudi Arabia’s network of spending and influence detailed before getting 2034 World Cup from FIFA

Associated Press  

GENEVA — Saudi Arabia’s growing influence and massive spending in global sports ahead of being confirmed by FIFA as the 2034 World Cup host was detailed on Monday in a report that cited risks to good governance off the field. The oil-rich kingdom’s investment of tens of billions of dollars in soccer, golf, boxing, tennis, the Esports Olympics and a …

Saudi Arabia 2034 World Cup bid 'medium risk' for human rights: FIFA
3 months, 2 weeks ago

Saudi Arabia 2034 World Cup bid 'medium risk' for human rights: FIFA

Hindustan Times  

Saudi Arabia's bid to host the 2034 World Cup was considered "medium risk" for human rights by FIFA in its evaluation report, which said implementing reforms could take "significant time and effort". "It is important to note that the bid involves significant opportunities for positive human rights impact," added FIFA. "There is good potential that the tournament could serve as …

FIFA inspection praises Saudi Arabia bid to host 2034 World Cup ahead of Dec. 11 decision
3 months, 2 weeks ago

FIFA inspection praises Saudi Arabia bid to host 2034 World Cup ahead of Dec. 11 decision

Associated Press  

GENEVA — Ahead of giving Saudi Arabia the men’s 2034 World Cup to host, FIFA approved the quality of its bid in a 110-page evaluation Saturday that noted higher risks related to human rights in the oil-rich kingdom. On Dec. 11, in a scheduled online meeting of 211 national soccer federations, FIFA will ask them to acclaim without an itemized …

Saudi Arabia win bid to host FIFA World Cup 2034, record highest bidding ratings
Top News
3 months, 2 weeks ago

Saudi Arabia win bid to host FIFA World Cup 2034, record highest bidding ratings

India TV News  

Saudi Arabia are cleared to host the 2034 FIFA World Cup after recording the historic bidding ratings on Saturday. Saudi Arabia will solely host the World Cup in the winter season of 2034 after beating a joint bid from the USA, Canada and Mexico. FIFA is expected to officially confirm Saudi Arabia as hosts for the World Cup on December …

Two US senators urge FIFA not to pick Saudi Arabia as 2034 World Cup host over human rights risks
3 months, 2 weeks ago

Two US senators urge FIFA not to pick Saudi Arabia as 2034 World Cup host over human rights risks

Associated Press  

GENEVA — Two United States senators urged FIFA on Monday not to pick Saudi Arabia as the 2034 World Cup host next month in a decision seen as inevitable since last year despite the kingdom’s record on human rights. Democrats Ron Wyden of Oregon and Dick Durbin of Illinois have told FIFA president Gianni Infantino in a letter “we urge …

Big money as Saudi makes foray into cricket with IPL auction
3 months, 3 weeks ago

Big money as Saudi makes foray into cricket with IPL auction

Live Mint  

Saudi Arabia hosts this year's Indian Premier League player auction in a partnership between a money-spinning cricket tournament expanding its global reach and a kingdom using sports to improve its image. Saudi cricket federation chairman Prince Saud bin Mishal said that staging the auction reflected the kingdom's "commitment to developing the sport and showcasing its position as a global destination …

Amnesty International warns FIFA of ‘real and predictable human cost’ of awarding 2034 World Cup to Saudi Arabia
Trending News
4 months ago

Amnesty International warns FIFA of ‘real and predictable human cost’ of awarding 2034 World Cup to Saudi Arabia

CNN  

CNN — Amnesty International has urged FIFA to halt the process of awarding Saudi Arabia the 2034 World Cup until major human rights reforms are announced. As part of the bidding process, FIFA states that countries must respect “internationally recognized human rights,” but Amnesty International’s latest report concluded that “neither bid has adequately demonstrated how they have met FIFA’s human …

FIFA urged to put more human rights scrutiny into 2034 World Cup deal with Saudi Arabia
5 months ago

FIFA urged to put more human rights scrutiny into 2034 World Cup deal with Saudi Arabia

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Please try again later {{ …

Saudi Arabia's World Cup ambitions are 'boosted by key FIFA voting change' as the oil-rich nation looks to be named 2034 tournament hosts at upcoming election
5 months, 1 week ago

Saudi Arabia's World Cup ambitions are 'boosted by key FIFA voting change' as the oil-rich nation looks to be named 2034 tournament hosts at upcoming election

Daily Mail  

LISTEN NOW: It's All Kicking Off!, available wherever you get your podcasts. New episodes every Monday and Thursday Saudi Arabia are desperate to be named 2034 hosts of the famous competition FIFA have announced a change to the voting process of nations wanting to host the World Cup in a move that massively boosts Saudi Arabia's ambitions, according to reports. …

The financial row threatening to derail Fifa’s new Club World Cup before it begins
5 months, 2 weeks ago

The financial row threatening to derail Fifa’s new Club World Cup before it begins

The Independent  

Sign up to Miguel Delaney’s Reading the Game newsletter sent straight to your inbox for free Sign up to Miguel’s Delaney’s free weekly newsletter Sign up to Miguel’s Delaney’s free weekly newsletter SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Some clubs that have qualified for the new …

Saudi coach Mancini wants his players getting more time in a Ronaldo-dominated league
6 months, 1 week ago

Saudi coach Mancini wants his players getting more time in a Ronaldo-dominated league

Associated Press  

While the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo and Neymar thrill supporters of Saudi clubs, Roberto Mancini is concerned that his national team players aren’t getting enough time in the league to prepare for World Cup qualifying. With most clubs in the Saudi Pro League using their full quota of 10 foreign imports, Mancini, who left his job as head coach of …

Saudi Arabia details ambitious 2034 World Cup stadiums and project building plan to FIFA
7 months, 2 weeks ago

Saudi Arabia details ambitious 2034 World Cup stadiums and project building plan to FIFA

Associated Press  

PARIS — 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 …

Saudi Hosts Its First Esports World Cup
8 months, 1 week ago

Saudi Hosts Its First Esports World Cup

Bloomberg  

00:00 While the first ever e-sports World Cup is happening in Saudi Arabia, with over 1500 gamers competing for a piece of a record prize pool of $60 million. It's all part of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's plan to turn Riyadh into a global gaming hub under his Vision 2030 economic agenda. But as with most things Saudi …

Esports World Cup: The new tournament in Saudi Arabia causing a big splash and division in the industry
8 months, 1 week ago

Esports World Cup: The new tournament in Saudi Arabia causing a big splash and division in the industry

CNN  

CNN — In the heart of Saudi Arabia’s capital, a seismic moment for esports is underway; one which has triggered both excitement and concern across the industry. “That was the guiding principle when we thought about, designed it and then announced it.” But while the tournament will be a shot of adrenaline for esports, its launch has refreshed existing concerns …

All Saudi top-tier football clubs to go private: ministry
8 months, 1 week ago

All Saudi top-tier football clubs to go private: ministry

The Hindu  

The Saudi Pro League’s remaining 14 football clubs are up for privatisation, the sports ministry said, after the sale of four top teams sparked a billion-dollar spending spree on foreign stars. Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, the top oil exporter’s sovereign wealth vehicle, took a majority stake in Al Hilal, Al Nassr, Al Ahli and Al Ittihad last year. Saudi …

Human rights experts urge FIFA to scrutinize Saudi Arabia before 2034 World Cup vote
9 months, 3 weeks ago

Human rights experts urge FIFA to scrutinize Saudi Arabia before 2034 World Cup vote

Associated Press  

DUBLIN — FIFA was urged by international lawyers Wednesday to uphold its own policy and scrutinize Saudi Arabia’s human rights record before picking the kingdom to host the men’s 2034 World Cup. Their paper calls on FIFA to use its leverage now with Saudi Arabia to comply with international human rights standards that the world soccer body’s own policy since …

FIFA seals closer ties to Saudi Arabia with World Cup sponsor deal for oil firm Aramco
10 months, 2 weeks ago

FIFA seals closer ties to Saudi Arabia with World Cup sponsor deal for oil firm Aramco

Associated Press  

GENEVA — FIFA deepened its ties to Saudi Arabia by confirming a sponsorship on Thursday with the kingdom’s state oil firm Aramco which made a profit of $121 billion last year. The deal was expected and became inevitable once Saudi Arabia was all but sealed last October as the 2034 host of the men’s World Cup. FIFA President Gianni Infantino …

Saudi Arabia complete deal to host WTA Finals: The background, the backlash and the money
11 months, 1 week ago

Saudi Arabia complete deal to host WTA Finals: The background, the backlash and the money

New York Times  

The women’s professional tennis tour will hold its season-ending WTA Finals in Saudi Arabia for the next three years, marking the latest step in the country’s huge investment in the elite level of the sport. Saudi Arabia’s tennis federation and the country’s sports ministry have committed to awarding $15.25million at the WTA Finals in 2024, with further increases in 2025 …

Ten Years From Home World Cup, Saudi Arabia Sizes Up 'Huge Challenge'
11 months, 2 weeks ago

Ten Years From Home World Cup, Saudi Arabia Sizes Up 'Huge Challenge'

News 18  

A decade before it hosts football’s World Cup, the size of the task facing Saudi Arabia is becoming apparent, including building stadiums, hotels and transport links. “We still have 10 full years ahead of us that will see the state of stadiums in Saudi Arabia change radically,” a Saudi Football Federation official told AFP. – Clifftop stadium – Saudi Arabia, …

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