Saudi Arabia's 2034 World Cup bid boosted by Indonesia changing sides after Australia co-host talks
Indonesian soccer federation leader Erick Thohir says it now supports Saudi Arabia's bid to host the 2034 World Cup
One week after revealing talks with Australia about bidding to co-host the 2034 World Cup, Indonesian soccer leader Erick Thohir said Wednesday his federation now supports Saudi Arabia.
Thohir’s change of plan was detailed in a statement on the Indonesian soccer federation website hours before an online meeting of the Asian Football Confederation, whose 47 members include Australia, Indonesia and Saudi Arabia.
During the meeting, FIFA President Gianni Infantino urged AFC members to “be united for the 2034 World Cup.”
Infantino has long been a close ally of Saudi soccer and the kingdom’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, and FIFA’s surprise decision two weeks ago to fast-track bidding for the 2034 men’s tournament was seen as favorable for them.
