Saudis look for European support for '34 WC bid

Saudi Arabia has "embarked on a campaign to gain support in Europe for a bid to host the 2034 World Cup," with officials and ministers approaching senior figures in European soccer to "secure backing." Sources said that Saudi Arabia had "initially considered a joint bid for the 2030 World Cup with Egypt and Greece" but is "now focusing on hosting 2034 on its own." The Saudis are "insisting that they could hold the World Cup in the summer despite the fierce heat," but that is "seen as challenging." The only other alternative is "another winter tournament," similar to the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. Hosting the World Cup  is seen as the "ultimate ambition for the Saudis, who are spending billions of pounds on sport" (London TIMES, 8/31).