World Cup 2034: Football Association has not yet decided whether it will officially support Saudi bid or not

The Football Association has yet to decide whether it will officially support Saudi Arabia’s 2034 men’s World Cup bid at next week’s virtual FIFA Congress.

Insiders have told the BBC that discussions involving the FA board are ongoing.

It has been suggested that instead of a traditional vote, ratification could be confirmed by acclamation – federations in favor would be asked to show their support by applause.

However, FIFA has not yet confirmed this and FA officials have sought clarification on the process.

On Friday, the DFB – Germany’s national football association – announced it would vote in favor of both Saudi Arabia’s bid and a multi-nation bid for the 2030 event.

The BBC has learned that FA officials are conscious of concerns over Saudi Arabia’s human rights record.

However, some are also wary of suggestions of hypocrisy if the institution refuses to support the tournament, but then participates in it.

Saudi Arabia is the sole bidder for the 2034 event, while the 2030 World Cup is set to be awarded to unopposed co-hosts Spain, Morocco and Portugal, with opening matches also to be played in Uruguay, Argentina and Paraguay.

The ratification process has been combined so the 2030 and 2034 hosts will be decided jointly.

Therefore, it appears that if the federations oppose a bid, they will not have to support anyone, with no separate accolades for each potential host.