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Saudi Football Federation Says Committed to FIFA’s Requirements for Hosting 2034 World Cup

Al-Misehal thanked more than 125 football federations from across the world for their support for the Saudi 2034 World Cup bid. Asharq Al-Awsat
Al-Misehal thanked more than 125 football federations from across the world for their support for the Saudi 2034 World Cup bid. Asharq Al-Awsat
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Saudi Football Federation Says Committed to FIFA’s Requirements for Hosting 2034 World Cup

Al-Misehal thanked more than 125 football federations from across the world for their support for the Saudi 2034 World Cup bid. Asharq Al-Awsat
Al-Misehal thanked more than 125 football federations from across the world for their support for the Saudi 2034 World Cup bid. Asharq Al-Awsat

President of the Saudi Arabian Football Federation Yasser Al-Misehal has underlined SAFF’s commitment to meet all the FIFA requirements to obtain the right for hosting the 2034 FIFA World Cup.

Al-Misehal thanked more than 125 football federations from across the world for their support for the Saudi 2034 World Cup bid.

He expressed his appreciation for the confidence granted by various countries to Saudi Arabia’s bid of hosting the tournament, giving a boost to the Saudi aim to host a special edition of the championship, 11 years from now.

The Kingdom’s bid to host the 2034 FIFA World Cup embodies the Saudis’ passion about football and the nation’s endeavor to further push forward the progress of the competition, Al-Misehal said.

All members of the Saudi football community are doing their best to achieve the dream of Saudis to see the World Cup being organized in the Kingdom for the first time, he affirmed.

This is an open invitation to all peoples of the world to learn about the Kingdom’s well-established and rich cultural heritage and to enjoy an unprecedented experience across the country, Al-Misehal added.

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Navarro Calls for Video Review Rule Change After Double Bounce in Defeat 

USA's Emma Navarro hits a return against Poland's Iga Swiatek during their women's singles quarter-final match on day eleven of the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne on January 22, 2025. (AFP)
USA's Emma Navarro hits a return against Poland's Iga Swiatek during their women's singles quarter-final match on day eleven of the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne on January 22, 2025. (AFP)
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Navarro Calls for Video Review Rule Change After Double Bounce in Defeat 

USA's Emma Navarro hits a return against Poland's Iga Swiatek during their women's singles quarter-final match on day eleven of the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne on January 22, 2025. (AFP)
USA's Emma Navarro hits a return against Poland's Iga Swiatek during their women's singles quarter-final match on day eleven of the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne on January 22, 2025. (AFP)

Emma Navarro's split-second decision not to halt play after a double bounce in her Australian Open quarter-final loss to Iga Swiatek on Wednesday cost her a vital point and the American called for changes to the rules on the use of video reviews.

Navarro lost the match 6-1 6-2, with her fightback fading following a controversial moment at 2-2 in the second set, when Swiatek ran to the net and returned a low shot after the ball had bounced twice.

The incident was missed by the chair umpire and while the 23-year-old Navarro sought a video review immediately after losing the point she was informed by the official that it was too late as she had continued the rally.

"I think it (a video review) should be allowed after the point even if you play. It happened so fast. You hit the shot, and she hits it back, and you're just like 'Oh, I guess I'm playing'," Navarro told reporters.

"In the back of your head you're like, 'Okay, maybe I can still win the point even though it wasn't called'. It's going to be a downer if I stop the point and it turns out it wasn't a double bounce. Yeah, it's tough.

"I think we should be able to see it afterwards and make that call."

Swiatek, a five-times Grand Slam champion who is chasing her first Australian Open title, said it was the official's job to call double bounces.

"I wasn't sure if it was a double bounce or I hit it with my frame," Swiatek added.

"It was hard to say, because I was sprinting. I don't remember even seeing the contact point. Sometimes you don't really look when you hit the ball.

"I thought this is like the umpire's job to call it. I was also waiting for the (video review), but I didn't see it, so I proceeded. I was already focused on the next one."

It was not the first time Swiatek had benefited from a no-call on a double bounce at a Grand Slam with a similar incident occurring during her quarter-final win over Jessica Pegula in her triumphant 2022 French Open run.

Navarro shrugged off Wednesday's incident, saying it was not the only factor in her defeat.

"It is what it is, I guess," she added.

"It's tough to place blame on anybody. It's a tough call. I think the rules should be different."