Saudi Arabia Withdraws Bid for 2035 Rugby World Cup Amid Financial Strategy Shift
Saudi Arabia abandons plans to host 2035 Rugby World Cup amid funding cutback
The Guardian
Image: The Guardian
Saudi Arabia has decided not to pursue hosting the 2035 Rugby World Cup due to a new financial strategy from the Public Investment Fund (PIF). The decision follows the kingdom's previous interest in a joint bid with Qatar and the UAE, which has also not progressed.
- 01Saudi Arabia has abandoned its bid for the 2035 Rugby World Cup due to funding cutbacks.
- 02The decision is part of the PIF's shift towards prioritizing projects with immediate returns.
- 03Qatar is advancing its rugby interests, having secured a deal to host the Nations Championship final series in 2028.
- 04The deadline for formal bids for the World Cup is October 2026, but Saudi Arabia has no plans to reconsider.
- 05Economic uncertainties, including the war in Iran, have influenced PIF's funding strategy.
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Saudi Arabia has officially withdrawn its aspirations to host the 2035 Rugby World Cup, as confirmed by the country's sports minister, Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki al-Faisal. This decision is attributed to a new financial strategy from the Public Investment Fund (PIF), which is now focusing on projects that promise immediate returns. Despite initial interest in a joint bid with Qatar and the United Arab Emirates, no formal expression of interest has been submitted to World Rugby. The bidding process for the tournament began last October, with countries like Argentina, Japan, and Spain already expressing interest. Although the deadline for formal bids is set for October 2026, Saudi Arabia is not expected to revisit its decision. The PIF is also withdrawing funding from the LIV Golf tour, prioritizing domestic projects such as infrastructure for the 2034 FIFA World Cup and a Formula One track near Riyadh. Economic uncertainties, particularly due to the ongoing war in Iran, are influencing PIF's spending, although the decision to withdraw from the Rugby World Cup bid was made prior to the conflict.
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This decision may lead to reduced international sports visibility for Saudi Arabia and a greater focus on domestic sporting events and infrastructure.
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