The Swedish Football Association's yes to the World Championship 2034 in Saudi Arabia and the World Championship 2030 in Spain, Portugal, and Morocco is a conditional decision. The International Football Federation (Fifa) has not yet presented the evaluation reports for the upcoming host countries.
We believe that they must do so before we can take a final stance. I have also pointed out that we think it is unfortunate that both the World Championship 2030 and the World Championship 2034 only have one bid, says Fredrik Reinfeldt, chairman of the Football Association.
Respect for same-sex couples
Saudi Arabia is a controversial host country since it is criticized for lacking respect for, for example, human rights. The Association has, together with other Nordic associations, had a meeting with the Saudis.
I met with the Saudi delegation and said that I understand that we have differences in views on governance and also partly on human rights, says Reinfeldt.
We have particularly emphasized the importance of respecting same-sex couples' right to participate and be part of the festivities. In all these matters, Saudi Arabia replied that they will respect them.
Reinfeldt says that "these issues have been extremely important" to him.
We have great respect for those who have been worried. We base our yes on what Saudi Arabia has replied to the questions I just mentioned. This applies to both the World Championship 2030 and 2034.
According to the Secretary-General of the Norwegian Football Association, Karl-Petter Løken, no voting will take place at the digital congress on December 11. The decision on the two World Championship hosts will be made by acclamation.
No rejected vote
I don't want to anticipate events, but I also heard information about this, says Fredrik Reinfeldt.
I have worked in the popular movement for 50 years, so for me, it's nothing new that a voting speech can begin with acclamation. If we want a recorded vote, it's just a matter of requesting a vote.
Laying down a Swedish vote to mark is not an option.
My starting point has been that I have received the answers I requested from Saudi Arabia, and those answers, I believe, serve Swedish football well and the interests we have. Then I think that, based on that, we can say yes, says Fredrik Reinfeldt.
The hosting of the men's football World Championship 2030 and 2034 will be decided at an extraordinary Fifa congress on December 11. The congress will be held digitally.
Saudi Arabia is the only candidate for 2034. According to the Secretary-General of the Dutch Football Association, Saudi Arabia has secured support from 150 of 211 Fifa members, reports the Dutch newspaper de Volkskrant according to the online newspaper idrettspolitikk.no.
The co-hosting Spain, Portugal, and Morocco are the only candidates for the World Championship 2030. Then, the first three matches will be played in South American Uruguay, Argentina, and Paraguay. This is to commemorate that it was 100 years since the first World Championship was held in Uruguay.
The championships will be adopted jointly and, according to the Norwegian Football Association, by acclamation, i.e., without a formal vote.
It is unclear whether the acclamation will take place through silent approval, yes or no shouts, applause, or in some other way.
