FA defends Saudi vote

THE England Football Association’s decision to back Saudi Arabia’s bid to host the 2034 World Cup was “not difficult” after organisers gave “a lot of commitments”, their chairperson Debbie Hewitt has said.

Saudi Arabia were confirmed as host of the men’s tournament last week by football’s world governing body Fifa.

Hewitt told BBC Radio 5 Live that England’s FA asked “a lot of questions” before supporting the bid.

“It wasn’t a difficult decision. I think it was a very thorough process,” added Hewitt. “We asked a lot of questions, they gave us a lot of time and they gave us a lot of commitments and I think the important thing is that we will now work with them over the next 10 years leading up to the tournament to make sure that those commitments are delivered — from both sides.”

The FA met with the Saudi Arabian Football Federation (SAFF) last month to discuss the bid in more detail.

They said it was assured the SAFF is committed to providing a safe environment for all fans.

“We were reassured by the answers that we got and think this is about a partnership,” said Hewitt, who added the FA would give organisers “the right groups to consult with”.

The 2034 World Cup will be the second to be held in the Middle East — it was staged in Qatar in 2022.

England coach Thomas Tuchel, speaking at the draw for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, said he backed the FA’s stance.

“The federations made their votes, the decision is done,” he told BBC Radio 5 Live. Tuchel, who will take charge officially in January, was also asked about the possibility of the World Cup being moved to the winter.

The 2022 Qatar World Cup was played from November 20 to December 18 because of the stifling summer heat in the Middle East. — BBC