However, FIFA is facing growing opposition from Europe’s top leagues, including the Premier League and La Liga, over the proposed Winter World Cup in Saudi Arabia in 2034. Sources tell ESPN that a “concrete agreement” will be required from both leagues and players to accommodate the significant disruption to the fixture calendar.
Saudi Arabia is set to be officially confirmed as the host for the 2034 men’s World Cup on Wednesday, after being the sole bidder for the tournament. FIFA will also finalize the approval for the 2030 World Cup, which will be hosted by Spain, Portugal, Morocco, Argentina, Paraguay, and Uruguay.
Saudi Arabia's World Cup bid will score a troubling goal today as FIFA confirms it will host the 2034 tournament. #RedCardForFIFA
This $1.5 trillion megaproject is under intense scrutiny due to Saudi Arabia's dismal HRs record & the appalling working conditions faced by migrant… pic.twitter.com/a8gOkU7M9M— SALMA🇵🇸 (@SALMMA1997) December 11, 2024
In October, FIFPRO Europe, the players’ union, and European Leagues, representing national leagues, lodged a legal complaint with the European Commission regarding FIFA’s control over the International Match Calendar. The complaint highlights concerns about a potential conflict of interest, as FIFA serves as both a competition organizer and governing body. The complaint specifically addresses the men’s International Match Calendar, including the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup and the 2026 World Cup, amid growing worries over player fatigue and burnout.
Sources have informed ESPN that FIFA has not engaged with major leagues or players’ unions regarding the proposal to stage the 2034 World Cup during the northern hemisphere winter, even though both parties’ agreement is crucial for shifting the tournament from its usual June-July timeframe. The 2022 World Cup in Qatar saw significant disruptions to European leagues, which had to extend their club seasons and suspend league play for at least a month to accommodate the winter schedule.
Mohd Faisal Hakak is a sports author from Kashmir. He likes to keep tabs on the sporting world with a keen interest in football, motorsports, NBA, and other marquee sports. He is a science graduate from Islamia College Srinagar.
