The FA is set to back Saudi Arabia’s bid to host the 2034 FIFA World Cup despite a human rights storm

The Football Association (FA) is preparing to support Saudi Arabia’s bid to host the 2034 FIFA World Cup as well as the multi-nation co-hosting of the 2030 tournament.

While the FA have yet to formally announce their position, as reported by the BBC, English football’s governing body will back both bids during a FIFA online conference on Wednesday, where official confirmation of the hosts will be made. It is expected that an official statement will be issued clarifying the position of the English Football Association after the General Assembly.

Saudi Arabia remains the only country bidding to host the 2034 tournament, making its selection a certainty. The 2030 World Cup, on the other hand, is set to be awarded to the unopposed co-host nations: Spain, Morocco and Portugal, with Uruguay, Argentina and Paraguay hosting early celebratory matches to mark the tournament’s centenary.

The FA’s expected endorsement of Saudi Arabia is likely to draw criticism over the kingdom’s human rights record and discriminatory laws. Some FA officials have reportedly expressed concern about accusations of hypocrisy, especially if England refuse to back the bid but later participate in the tournament.

Instead of a traditional vote, FIFA is expected to confirm bids through acclamation, a process in which associations show support through applause. Delegates will vote collectively on both offers, with no option to separate their options.

Not all unions are on board. The Norwegian Football Association announced it would abstain from the vote, arguing that FIFA’s bidding process undermines its good governance reforms.

But the German Football Association announced its support for both bids last week. The President of the German Football Association, Bernd Neuendorf, explained that the decision was carefully studied despite the concerns.

“We take criticism directed at the developed country seriously and will continue to participate in the dialogue,” Neuendorf said. “Our goal is to work with FIFA to improve the situation in the coming years.”