World Cup 2034 announcement hit by embarrassing technical blunder as Fifa feed cuts out during Saudi celebrations
SAUDI ARABIA’S big World Cup moment was blacked out by a technical fault in a stunning Fifa farce.
The world body’s 211 member association voted “by acclamation” to hand Morocco, Spain and Portugal the right to host the 2030 tournament, although the first three matches will be played in Argentina, Uruguay and Paraguay.
In an unprecedented joint “vote” at the “virtual Congress” run from Zurich, delegates were displayed on a video wall as they applauded to confirm the 2034 event will take place in the desert Kingdom.
But the two-hour Congress was overshadowed by technical issues from the outset, with a delayed start and problems with the sound on the video link to the Paraguayan capital Asuncion.
And when Fifa President Gianni Infantino handed over to the Saudi capital Riyadh for the “great scenes of celebration” the screens on the official Fifa feed went black.
Despite the vote result having been pre-ordained and in a statement laced with unintended irony, Infantino had opened proceedings by declaring “the essence of football is its unpredictability”.
But after Saudi sports minister Abdulaziz bin Turki al Saud had declared “a proud day” for his nation and promised “an extraordinary version of the World Cup”, Infantino then appeared to fire a potential warning shot across the Saudi bows.
The Fifa chief said: “The World Cup is a unique catalyst for positive social change and unity.
“We are inclusive and non-discriminatory and want to obtain a positive social impact, to bring true and lasting change.
“The world will be watching and we are positive that the unique spotlight of a World Cup will be on what can and should improve in terms of social improvement and positive human rights impacts, the responsibilities of hosting the World Cup.”
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During the Congress, delegates were unable to make any comments about either award.
But the Norwegian FA did “raise its concerns” that the process “does not fully align with the principles and objectives” of Fifa with specific regard to human rights and social responsibility, while the Swiss FA also wrote a letter questioning the procedure.
Like the other major associations, the FA applauded in favour of both “technically strong” bids.
A Wembley spokesperson added: “The FA Board met the Saudi Arabian Football Federation last month to discuss their bid in more detail.
“We asked them to commit to ensuring all fans would be safe and welcome in Saudi Arabia in 2034 – including LGBTQ+ fans.
“They assured us that they are fully committed to providing a safe and welcome environment for all fans.
“Hosting World Cups can be a catalyst for positive change and we will work with Fifa and Uefa to ensure that commitments to respect all human rights are delivered.”