Saudi Arabia Drops 2035 Rugby World Cup Bid Amid Financial Strategy Shift
Saudi Arabia has officially abandoned its goal to host the 2035 Rugby World Cup due to a recent shift in the financial strategy of the Public Investment Fund (PIF). Sports Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki al-Faisal confirmed that the kingdom, which expressed interest in bidding last year, has not submitted an expression of interest to World Rugby and does not plan to do so before the bidding process closes in October. Last year, Qais al-Dhalai, president of Asia Rugby, hinted at a potential joint bid involving Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates, but this has not materialized. World Rugby's bidding process for the 2035 tournament began in October, with countries like Argentina, Japan, and Spain reportedly expressing initial interest. The formal bid deadline is set for October 2026, leaving room for reconsideration, although expectations are low. The decision aligns with PIF's “value realization” phase of its Vision 2030 economic plan. Notably, LIV Golf has also faced funding cuts, prompting the need for significant private investment for its league's continuation. While PIF will still invest in sports, it plans to prioritize domestic projects, particularly those related to the upcoming 2034 football World Cup and the new Formula One track near Riyadh, set to open next year. This strategic pivot comes amid economic uncertainties, partially influenced by the ongoing war in Iran, although the decision to withdraw from the rugby bid was made before this conflict escalated. In contrast, Qatar has made more substantial progress in rugby, having secured a deal to host the second final series of the Nations Championship in 2028. Unlike Saudi Arabia, Qatar is well-equipped with the necessary stadiums and infrastructure for major events, while also focusing on its bid for the 2036 Olympics.
Source: The Guardian Sport - 2026-04-17