LONDON: The Football Association says it supported Saudi Arabia’s bid to host the 2034 World Cup after being assured all fans would be safe and welcome.

Its representatives joined in the acclamatory ‘vote’ which approved the Saudi bid and a six-way hosting of the 2030 World Cup in Wednesday’s extraordinary congress.

An FA statement said: “Our focus is on ensuring that all our fans can attend and enjoy tournaments.

“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.”

The four home associations may also have been concerned not to rock the boat ahead of a possible joint bid to host the 2031 Women’s World Cup.

Norway’s federation abstained from the vote, arguing the bidding process “undermines Fifa’s own reforms for good governance”.

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