Riyadh, December 18, 2024 – The European Union (EU) Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Christophe Farnaud, has extended his heartfelt congratulations to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, its leadership, and its people following the announcement that the Kingdom will host the 2034 FIFA World Cup. This monumental achievement marks a significant milestone for Saudi Arabia’s sports sector and aligns with the country's broader ambitions under Vision 2030.
In a statement issued shortly after the FIFA announcement, Ambassador Farnaud expressed the EU’s strong support for the Kingdom’s successful bid. “The EU shares deep and multifaceted relations with Saudi Arabia, which span various sectors. The recent EU-Gulf Cooperation Council summit further enhanced these relations, elevating them to unprecedented levels of cooperation. Sports is a vital area of mutual interest, and Europe is keen to further strengthen ties with Saudi Arabia in this field,” Farnaud said.
Ambassador Farnaud highlighted the increasing prominence of Saudi football, particularly its growing ties with European football culture. He pointed to the influx of renowned European football professionals, such as Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema, and Aleksandar Mitrović, who have joined the Saudi Pro League in recent years. “This is just the beginning. The arrival of such high-profile players has generated significant attention across Europe, further boosting the visibility of Saudi football,” Farnaud noted. He also highlighted the fact that 14 out of 18 club coaches in Saudi Arabia are European, underscoring the integration of European expertise within the Kingdom's sports ecosystem.
The ambassador emphasized the role of sports in fostering greater connections between nations and cultures. “Sport is a universal language that bridges gaps between peoples. It connects not only through competition but also through tourism and cultural exchange. The World Cup, in particular, will allow Saudi Arabia to showcase its rich culture to a global audience,” he added.
On the subject of the Kingdom’s successful bid to host the 2034 World Cup, Farnaud commended Saudi Arabia for its robust efforts to secure the prestigious event. He acknowledged the Kingdom’s dedication to strengthening its FIFA membership and its focused approach to becoming a hub for global sports events. “Hosting the World Cup represents a new chapter for Saudi Arabia, elevating the country’s international profile. Traditionally, the World Cup has been hosted in Europe and South America. Now, the event’s expansion to other regions, including the Middle East, demonstrates the Kingdom’s growing influence on the global sports stage,” he remarked.
Farnaud also recognized the economic and diplomatic dimensions of Saudi Arabia's investment in sports, particularly the strategic partnerships forged through football. He noted the growing interconnection between European football clubs and Saudi Arabia, with increasing Saudi investments in clubs across Europe. This mutually beneficial relationship brings economic opportunities for both sides and contributes to the growth of the global football landscape.
Ambassador Farnaud emphasized that this new phase in Saudi Arabia’s sports journey is not just about football. He pointed to other international sporting events held in the Kingdom, such as the Dakar Rally, which has proven to be a major success. “The Kingdom has shown its ability to host high-profile international events, and this success story will only continue as Saudi Arabia develops into a global sports destination,” he said.
He further underscored the rapid growth of sports such as golf, basketball, and rugby in Saudi Arabia. “These sports are gaining immense popularity in the Kingdom, with more opportunities for both players and coaches emerging. This is a testament to the country’s commitment to sports development and the potential for even greater expansion in the years to come,” Farnaud remarked.
The ambassador also took a moment to reflect on the broader significance of sports within Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030. “Saudi Arabia is experiencing an exceptional moment, with rapid transformation across all sectors. Sports are playing a key role in this transformation, driving both cultural exchange and economic growth. The energy and enthusiasm surrounding sports in the Kingdom are palpable, and the future looks incredibly promising,” he said.
In closing, Farnaud reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to supporting Saudi Arabia in its sports endeavors and looked forward to future collaborations. “European organizations, governments, and companies are eager to partner with Saudi Arabia in any capacity, sharing their expertise to ensure the success of the 2034 World Cup and beyond. We look forward to the continued growth of Saudi Arabia as a global leader in sports,” he concluded.
