Australia’s football association have announced that they will not bid for the 2034 men’s World Cup, clearing the way for Saudi Arabia to host the tournament.
FIFA had invited bids from Asia and Oceania for the tournament, with an Oct. 31 deadline for national associations to confirm their interest in being hosts. Football Australia boss James Johnson had previously expressed interest in bidding for 2034, but the governing body now says it will focus on bids for other international competitions.
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“We have explored the opportunity to bid to host the FIFA World Cup and — having taken all factors into consideration — we have reached the conclusion not to do so for the 2034 competition,” Football Australia said in a statement on Tuesday.
Australia’s decision not to proceed with 2034 leaves Saudi Arabia as the only confirmed bidder.
Saudi Arabia announced it would bid for 2034 only minutes after FIFA’s invitation for bids from Asia and Oceania earlier this month.
The president of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC),…
