Saudi Arabia to host 2027 Asian Cup, World Cup next?

AFC President Salman bin Ibrahim al-Khalifa (L) with Saudi Sports Minister Abdulaziz bin Turki al-Faisal al-Saud (C) as Saudi Arabia was awarded the 2027 Asian Cup - Mazen Mahdi

MANAMA, AFP: Saudi Arabia was confirmed as host of football’s 2027 Asian Cup on Wednesday, an expected prelude for a World Cup bid as the oil-rich kingdom spends big on sports in an attempt to improve its image.

The three-time winners’ successful bid, a formality after their sole rivals India withdrew, was rubber-stamped at the Asian Football Confederation Congress in Bahrain, held just weeks after Gulf neighbours Qatar hosted the first World Cup in the Middle East. “We are excited to deliver the greatest tournament in the competition’s history,” the kingdom’s Sports Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al-Faisal said after the announcement.

“The kingdom is transforming before our eyes, and we are filled with excitement for what it will look like in 2027.” Saudi Arabia, the world’s biggest oil exporter, has held talks with Egypt and Greece about a joint World Cup bid for 2030, officials said last year.

The conservative country has thrown hundreds of millions of dollars at deals including Al Nassr’s signing of Cristiano Ronaldo, Formula One in Jeddah and the lucrative LIV tour that has divided golf.

The Gulf monarchy is often accused of “sportswashing” – using sport to shield criticism of its human rights record. On Wednesday, a report by Reprieve and the European Saudi Organisation for Human Rights said executions had soared under the current leadership.

Speaking to AFP at the AFC Congress, Prince Abdulaziz stressed that there was no World Cup bid on the table but added: “Everything is possible.” “As you can see, hosting events in Saudi Arabia is big. And it’s part of our 2030 vision,” he said, referring to the Vision 2030 development project to modernise the oil-dependent economy.

The Asian Cup adds to Saudi Arabia’s growing portfolio of major events including the 2034 Asian Games and even the 2029 Asian Winter Games on artificial snow. Saudi is also bidding to host the 2026 Women’s Asian Cup.