Rio Ferdinand has angered some English football supporters with his take on Saudi Arabia hosting the 2034 World Cup.
FIFA confirmed Saudi Arabia as the host nation on Wednesday at a 'virtual' meeting of the governing body's Congress - with Spain, Portugal and Morocco selected to host the 2030 tournament.
The decision to award the 2034 World Cup to Saudi Arabia is hugely controversial for several reasons.
The Saudi bid was unopposed after Australia - the only other potential candidate - pulled out of the running in October 2023, after suggesting they had been given insufficient time to mount an effective challenge.
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Critics argue that the decision to stage the 2030 tournament across three continents, with South America bizarrely hosting the first three games - purportedly to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the first World Cup staged in Uruguay, effectively paved the way for Saudi Arabia to host the 2034 World Cup, with only countries from Asia and Oceania considered for bids.
Meanwhile, the BBC report that there has been widespread speculation that Saudi's Public Investment Fund (PIF) could make a major investment in DAZN, which has agreed to broadcast the expanded FIFA Club World Cup next summer.
Eyebrows were also raised when FIFA gave Saudi Arabia the highest-ever score for a World Cup bid in their evaluation report, despite concerns from human rights and environmental groups.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino has played down concerns over the tournament and believes Saudi Arabia will be "spectacular" hosts.
"The 2034 FIFA World Cup – the first of the new century, so to say, of World Cups, will be a spectacular event. What Saudi Arabia has put forward in their bid is absolutely incredible," he said in a statement on FIFA's website.
Former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand has echoed those comments, posting on X: "Congratulations to Saudi Arabia for achieving the bid to host the 2034 World Cup!
"This is a football loving nation & I’m sure my friends in Saudi would have been celebrating last night."
Ferdinand has since received a backlash from some supporters on social media for his comments.
"Come on Rio you are better than that," posted one unhappy football fan on X.
"Stop the cap Rio," added another fan.
While a third simply wrote: "This won't age well."
It's not yet confirmed if the 2034 World Cup will take place in its traditional summer slot or will be moved to the winter, as was the case with the 2022 World Cup in neighbouring Qatar.
There are no commitments to stage the tournament in the summer, with January-February looking most likely to avoid clashing with Ramadan and the Hajj.
Topics: Saudi Arabia, FIFA, Rio Ferdinand, FIFA World Cup, Gianni Infantino, Fan Reactions
Rory O'Callaghan