REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA -- Chairman of the All Indonesia Football Association (PSSI) Erick Thohir expressed his support to Saudi Arabia in its candidacy to host the 2034 World Cup.

“Indonesia supports Saudi Arabia as host of the 2034 World Cup. On the other hand, Indonesia continues to prepare for the next World Cup bidding for the Asian zone after 2034 and other FIFA competitions,” PSSI General Chairman Erick Thohir said in a written statement quoted from the PSSI website on Wednesday (18/10/2023).

Earlier, Indonesia was exploring opportunities to move forward in its bid to host the 2034 World Cup. One of the possibilities is to co-host the football competition between the countries.

Minister of Youth and Sports (Menpora) Dito Ariotedjo mentioned the possible potential of Indonesia to co-host the quadrennial world championship for the 2034 edition. “We've already said we want to be co-hosts. And here I will fly to Saudi Arabia accompanying Mr. President. One of the topics that the crown prince of Saudi Arabia will talk to Mr. President,” Menpora Dito said.

In addition to exploring the possibility with Saudi Arabia, Indonesia has also opened talks with Australia, which is exploring the possibility of advancing bidding to host the 2034 World Cup.

The Australian Football Federation (FA) opens up the possibility of hosting by inviting New Zealand, Indonesia or other countries in the Southeast Asian region such as Singapore and Malaysia.

To date, Saudi Arabia became the only country to officially volunteer to host the 2034 World Cup. Related to the bidding process to host the 2034 World Cup, FIFA gave the final deadline for nominations on 31 October.

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