Greece, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt might withdraw their joint bid to co-host the 2030 FIFA World Cup, which could signal a change in plans for the upcoming international soccer tournament.
The potential move, according to the report, was influenced by the prevailing sentiment that the tournament should be hosted in Europe, with Spain and Portugal emerging as strong contenders.
Greece and Egypt, initially envisioned as co-hosts by Riyadh, are thought to have declined to assume the responsibility due to their own set of challenges.
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According to the media report, Athens has cited worries about the country’s ongoing economic crisis, which it considers an unsuitable time to take on the responsibilities of hosting the World Cup. Even though Saudi Arabia has offered to invest in the necessary infrastructure, Greece has chosen to reject the offer.
In a similar vein, Cairo has turned down Saudi Arabia’s request for comparable reasons. Egypt acknowledges the difficulties involved in managing such a large-scale tournament within its own socio-economic environment, which has led them to politely reject the proposal.
The Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) President Aleksander Ceferin expressed certainty in September 2022 that the two countries would come out on top.
Last year, Saudi’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) acquired the Premier League club Newcastle and provided support for the LIV Golf breakaway tour, as well as financing the Kingdom’s efforts to host motorsport events.
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