On Tuesday, FIFA announced that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) will host the upcoming edition of the FIFA Club World Cup. It will take place between December 12 and 22.
The decision was made at a FIFA Council meeting, and it came only a few days after Al Hilal faced Real Madrid at the final of the latest edition.
The Saudi Spports Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al Faisal, said: “We are honoured and extremely excited to be given the opportunity to welcome the world’s leading football clubs and their fans to Saudi Arabia."
He added: "Many fans will have recently witnessed our ability as a nation to compete at the highest possible level on the pitch. Now we have the chance to prove we are also world-class hosts off it. We look forward to showcasing our genuine love of the game and our desire to be a force for good."
“Today is another important step forward on our journey of transformation in football and as a country and I trust all involved will see for themselves the undeniable progress being made at many different levels. We host international sports for the simple reason that we truly believe in the power of sport to inspire our boys and girls, to create new connections and build new relationships. This will mean so much to our people where 70% are under the age of 35 and are absolutely obsessed with football," he concluded.
President of the Saudi Arabian Football Federation (SAFF) and newly elected FIFA Council Member Yasser Al Misehal said: “The FIFA Club World Cup™ is a special competition that has delivered incredible moments. Not only has it gifted many memories to millions across the globe, but the tournament has also created new international rivalries and forged new friendships within the game. We thank FIFA for their trust in us to deliver an exceptional edition of the event."
He added: “Saudi football is going through unprecedented growth, there is fresh energy and a sense of optimism thanks to a clear strategy across all areas of the game."
"Currently we’ve more players registered at all age groups for boys and girls than ever before. We have more qualified coaches, more qualified referees, better governance and stronger domestic leagues including the SPL. The future is bright, and this tournament is another highlight to look forward to especially when you consider some of the mouthwatering fixtures and players who might take part."
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