Aussie World Cup bid dealt hammer blow as $600b Saudi push gets massive boost

Australian hopes of bidding for and hosting the 2034 FIFA World Cup looked to be doomed the Asian Football Confederation threw all its support behind a bid from Saudi Arabia.

The success of the FIFA Women’s World Cup and on the back of the Matildas stirring run to the semi-finals, Football Australia had declared its intention to bid for more major tournaments.

That included the 2034 men’s World Cup but in a hammer blow the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has instead thrown it’s full support behind a bid by Saudi Arabia.

Within hours of world governing body FIFA opening the door for bids from Asia and Oceania for the 2034 event, the Saudis, who have more than $600 billion in their Public Investment Fund which is looking to lure major sporting events in all codes, confirmed their intention to pitch for the tournament.

“HRH the Crown Prince: Saudi Arabia‘s desire to bid for the 2034 FIFA World Cup is a reflection of the country’s progress in all sectors,” the Saudi Press Agency’s English outlet said.

“The Kingdom has quickly emerged as a leading hub and an international destination for hosting major events thanks to its rich cultural heritage, economic strength and the ambition of its people.”

In response the AFC, said it would “stand united in support of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia‘s momentous initiative”.

“The entire Asian football family will stand united in support of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s momentous initiative, and we are committed to working closely with the global football family to ensure its success,” AFC president Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa said in a statement on Thursday.”

The support of the AFC would be completely necessary for any Australian bid, even a joint one with other Oceanic