Saudi Arabia make decision alcohol ban at 2034 World Cup after being all-but confirmed as hosts

Saudi Arabia has made a decision on whether to impose an alcohol ban for the 2034 World Cup, which is likely to take place in the Gulf state.

Saudi Arabia is on course to host the 2034 World Cup after Australia announced on Tuesday it would be bidding to stage the tournament.

Earlier this month Saudi Arabia submitted its official intention to host the men’s World Cup after FIFA restricted the process for that year to countries from Oceania and Asia.

While an Australian bid was considered the only serious challenger to Saudi Arabia’s proposal, Football Australia said in a statement hours before FIFA’s deadline that it had "explored the opportunity" of a bid but decided against it.

The statement said: "Having taken all factors into consideration, we have reached the conclusion not to do so for the 2034 competition.

"Football Australia is ambitious to bring more major tournaments to our shores. We believe we are in a strong position to host the Women's Asian Cup in 2026 and then welcome the greatest teams in world football for the 2029 FIFA Club World Cup."

A large portion of England fans will be happy to hear that football supporters will allegedly be allowed to drink alcohol in Saudi Arabia if the Gulf state's bid is successful.

According to The Sun’s ‘sources’, while the Muslim-majority country outlaws the sale and consumption of alcohol, it would permit booze to be sold in hotels and restricted 'fan zones' if it is awarded the tournament.

A source told the publication: “It has not been publicly discussed but it is an accepted fact.”

Usually, foreigners caught drinking in Saudi Arabia can face punishments ranging from public flogging, fines, imprisonment and deportation.

However, the country appears to have relaxed its stance with the prospect of hosting the 2034 World Cup.

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Topics: Football, Saudi Arabia, Football World Cup, England

Chris Byfield

Sport journalist with experience writing on football, rugby, boxing and the Olympics. I'm also a Crystal Palace fan. Please don't hold this against me.