Go Unlimited with Magzter GOLD
Get unlimited access to 10,000+ magazines, newspapers and Premium stories for just
Try GOLD - Free
SAUDI'S WORLD CUP BID SCORES WITH FIFA
The Straits Times
|December 02, 2024
It gets higher rating than 2026 joint-bid, deemed 'medium risk' for human rights
-
ZURICH - Saudi Arabia's 2034 World Cup bid received a higher technical score from Fifa than the 2026 joint-bid by the United States, Canada and Mexico, even though the Middle Eastern nation has yet to construct several stadiums proposed for the quadrennial tournament.
Football's global governing body released its bid evaluation report and said the 2034 bid received an overall average score of 4.2 out of five, even though eight stadiums are still to be built.
All venues - including the planned 92,760-seat King Salman International Stadium in Riyadh - will not be completed until 2032 but three new stadiums are expected to be finished for the Asian Cup, which kicks off in January 2027.
The 2026 bid scored 4.0, having initially proposed 23 stadiums - all of which were already built.
Eventually, 16 host cities for the 2026 World Cup were announced, with many venues in the US and Canada being existing National Football League stadiums.
"The (Saudi) bid includes some ambitious stadium projects integrated into unique locations, including the Prince Mohammed bin Salman Stadium located within the Qiddiya development and Neom Stadium located within 'The Line' development," Fifa's report said.
This story is from the December 02, 2024 edition of The Straits Times.
Subscribe to Magzter GOLD to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 10,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
MORE STORIES FROM The Straits Times
The Straits Times
Shop for cosy, comfy fitness gear at these three Singapore brands
Entering your soft era?
4 mins
October 31, 2025
The Straits Times
AUTUMN MYSTERY ON DERBY MISSION
Little-known Victorian trainer ‘living the dream’ with live chance at maiden Gl glory
2 mins
October 31, 2025
The Straits Times
S'pore forms company to buy green jet fuel
A company has been set up to buy and manage a supply of sustainable aviation fuel for Singapore’s air hub, the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) said on Oct 30.
4 mins
October 31, 2025
The Straits Times
Commuting Clearer queue markings needed at bus interchange
I recently visited the Woodlands Integrated Transport Hub to board service 168. The berth I went to has three different bus services sharing the same space.
1 min
October 31, 2025
The Straits Times
Property Review clause for lease renewal commissions in agency agreements
The Council for Estate Agencies (CEA) should review the \"renewal commission\" clause found in its prescribed Estate Agency Agreement for the Lease of Residential Property by a Landlord.
1 min
October 31, 2025
The Straits Times
Forget gold. Aluminium is the real metal of the moment
For the last 25 years, Beijing has single-handedly supplied the world's incremental demand for the metal.
1 mins
October 31, 2025
The Straits Times
ATHLEISURE RENEWED
It may have peaked in the West, but players here say the fashion trend is still alive and kicking in Singapore
8 mins
October 31, 2025
The Straits Times
Tech sector sees layoffs amid rising Al use
The axing of 14,000 roles announced by Amazon on Oct 28 comes amid increasing use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools for routine tasks.
3 mins
October 31, 2025
The Straits Times
My Best Shot to defy handicap in Algoa Cup
Oct 31 South Africa (Fairview/Greyville) preview
5 mins
October 31, 2025
The Straits Times
Manpower Perm Sec Ng Chee Khern to retire; changes to other posts
Manpower Permanent Secretary Ng Chee Khern will retire on Dec 1, marking an end to 41 years in the public service during a career filled with distinction.
2 mins
October 31, 2025
Listen
Translate
Change font size