This is as much an entertainment story as it is a sports story, so bear with me for a minute. We’ve filmed a great YouTube video (soon to be released later this month) about Sportswashing, and how Saudi Arabia is buying their way to legitimacy in the world while trying to wean their economy off of oil & gas revenues.
Now news comes that they are pretty much assured of becoming the host of the 2034 World Cup. So how did this happen? Well, it turns out when you’re only competing against one other country and they drop out, you pretty much win by default.
Did money play a part in Australia’s decision? Maybe. I’m guessing it was a combination of money, influence, and a political campaign by Saudi Arabia who has already convinced 100 of the 211 FIFA delegates to back their bid. Does that raise the question of bribery? I would never go as far as to suggest that someone would ever bribe a FIFA employee (checking the record). On second thought, yea its probably fair to question if some officials have been bribed or coerced into throwing their support behind Saudi Arabia’s bid to host the 2034 World Cup.
Saudi Arabia clear to host 2034 World Cup after Australia drops out