Saudi Arabia is considering a joint bid for the 2030 World Cup with recently crowned European champions Italy.
According to The Athletic, the Gulf country – 2,000 miles away from Italy – are partnering with the US-based Boston Consultancy Group to contemplate a joint bid.
However, the report claims the plans is not as far-fetched as it sounds.
It has been suggested the Saudis could team up with Egypt and Morocco to form a MENA [Middle East and North Africa] partnership, in a bid that would unite the African and Asian football confederations.
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However, while that makes sense geographically, that would require both Egypt and Morocco to make significant improvements to their infrastructure, and also raises up concerns over the economic impact and potential security problems.
It is claimed, therefore, a European coalition would be the more sensible option despite the obvious geographical challenges.
The Athletic claim to have been told by ‘several sources’ that Italy are the more likely candidates.
While Italy has hosted four major football tournaments, the nation has not made serious investment into their stadiums since the Italian 90 World Cup – which is where the oil-rich Saudis could help.
Saudi Arabia are already set to host this season’s Italian Super Cup – Serie A champions vs Coppa Italia winners – having already staged the season opener for the last two campaigns.
On Thursday, Italian football federation president Gabriele Gravina said Italy ‘will evaluate an Italian candidacy for the 2028 European Championship and the World Cup of 2030, in which the centenary of the world championship is celebrated’.
The bidding process for 2030 edition of the biggest football tournament in the world is in its very early stages.
Boris Johnson confirmed in March that Great Britain and Ireland want to ‘bring football home’ in the summer of 2030.
Earlier this week, the Prime Minister insisted the U.K. has a ‘very good case’ to host the 2030 World Cup despite scenes of mayhem at Wembley Stadium for the Euro 2020 final.
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