Saudi Arabia is looking to forge partnerships with star Lionel Messi, in addition to Cristiano Ronaldo, but also major international companies, to support its bid to host a World Cup, a source told
AFP
.
source close to the case.
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Like Qatar, host of the 2022 World Cup, and the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, the world's leading exporter of crude oil, has multiplied major sporting events in recent years to diversify its economy and improve its image, on background of accusations of fierce repression in the ultra-conservative kingdom.
"
Saudi Arabia is in the process of finalizing partnerships with large companies to sponsor its candidacy for the organization of the World Cup
", assured AFP
an
official close to the file, who requested anonymity, not being allowed to talk to the media about it.
According to him, the powerful Saudi sovereign wealth fund PIF (Public Investment Fund) is in the process, as in the country's many international investment projects, to sign with major brands in the communications, internet and tourism sectors. .
Ryad intends "
to announce its candidacy within a few weeks
", said this source.
The Saudis are also in talks with Argentine football star Lionel Messi, the official added.
The world champion has already lent his image to the rich oil kingdom as part of a campaign to promote tourism.
A spectacular rookie in the Saudi league, which he recently joined for 200 million euros, Cristiano Ronaldo will again receive the same sum to support the candidacy of the oil monarchy, according to an anonymous source close to his new club Al-Nassr.
An Egyptian official said last September that his country was considering filing a joint file with Saudi Arabia and Greece for the organization of the 2030 World Cup.
At the beginning of February, Prince Abdelaziz ben Turki al-Fayçal, Minister of Sports, assured AFP that his country had not officially submitted a candidacy but that "everything is possible".
Saudi Arabia will host the 2027 Asian Cup for the first time in its history, a competition seen as a test for a possible second World Cup in the Gulf.
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