Saudi Football Federation Reveals Official Identity for Saudi Arabia’s Candidacy File to Host FIFA 2034

Saudi Football Federation Reveals Official Identity for Saudi Arabia’s Candidacy File to Host FIFA 2034
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Saudi Football Federation Reveals Official Identity for Saudi Arabia’s Candidacy File to Host FIFA 2034

Saudi Football Federation Reveals Official Identity for Saudi Arabia’s Candidacy File to Host FIFA 2034

The Saudi Arabian Football Federation (SAFF) announced on Friday the official identity for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's bid to host the FIFA 2034 World Cup.

The bid bears the slogan "Growing Together" and includes a visual identity, a verbal slogan, and an official website, Saudi2034bid.com.

The Kingdom announced in October its intention to host the tournament and later sent the official nomination letter to the International Federation of Football Association (FIFA).

The nomination file logo represents the Kingdom's remarkable transformation and growth process in football. It is one of the fastest and most advanced growth stories in football.

The candidacy file has three main pillars: "Together to develop human capabilities,Together to develop football," and "Together to develop bridges of communication."

The visual identity of the nomination file reflects the essence of the Kingdom's rich cultural heritage and its young and vibrant society.

The file's logo consists of several colored stripes designed in the shape of "34,” referring to the year the Kingdom aims to host the 25th edition of this global tournament. The visual identity also mimics the shape of the geographical map of the Kingdom.

The video of the nomination file showcases the cultural heritage, civilizational legacy, and charming natural scenes of the Kingdom. It was shot in different regions of the Kingdom and features the participation of current and former football stars.

"The Kingdom has a history and legacy full of football achievements, and we must narrate our development journey to the whole world to see and interact with,” said SAFF President Yasser Al-Misehal. “The slogan ‘Growing Together’ perfectly reflects the approach we are adopting to achieve the dream of hosting the tournament in ten years.”



Britain is Back in America’s Cup Final for the First Time in 60 years

INEOS Britannia, left, and Luna Rosa Prada Pirelli sailing teams compete during the Louis Vuitton Cup Final Day 7 at the Barcelona's coast, Spain, Friday, Oct. 4, 2024. (AP Photo/Joan Monfort)
INEOS Britannia, left, and Luna Rosa Prada Pirelli sailing teams compete during the Louis Vuitton Cup Final Day 7 at the Barcelona's coast, Spain, Friday, Oct. 4, 2024. (AP Photo/Joan Monfort)
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Britain is Back in America’s Cup Final for the First Time in 60 years

INEOS Britannia, left, and Luna Rosa Prada Pirelli sailing teams compete during the Louis Vuitton Cup Final Day 7 at the Barcelona's coast, Spain, Friday, Oct. 4, 2024. (AP Photo/Joan Monfort)
INEOS Britannia, left, and Luna Rosa Prada Pirelli sailing teams compete during the Louis Vuitton Cup Final Day 7 at the Barcelona's coast, Spain, Friday, Oct. 4, 2024. (AP Photo/Joan Monfort)

A British yacht is back in the America’s Cup finals for the first time since 1964 after INEOS Britannia finished off Italy’s Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli on Friday.

Britannia scored the winning point for a 7-4 series victory after a fast and flawless race that it finished 17 seconds ahead of Luna Rossa. Britannia claimed the Louis Vuitton Cup for being the best of five challengers.

The boat skippered by Olympic great Ben Ainslie will next face defender Team Emirates New Zealand in a first-to-seven wins series for the America’s Cup starting on Oct. 12.

Despite holding the most Olympic medals in sailing and having a rich maritime tradition, Britain has never won the biggest prize in the sport — a wait that runs back 173 years, according to The AP.

“One more to go boys!” Ainslie told his sailors, who shouted with joy as they crossed the finish line.

Britain has been chasing the America’s Cup ever since the schooner America won the race’s very first edition back in 1851 when it bested Royal Yacht Squadron in a loop around the Isle of Wight, with Queen Victoria herself in attendance. This is the 23rd time it has challenged for the Auld Mug, more than any other nation.

Now, it is the closest it has come to finally winning the cup in sixty years.

It will face a New Zealand team that has won the past two editions in 2017 and 2021. As defending champion in this truly winner-takes-all competition, the Kiwis got to choose the rules and the location of the regattas, so in theory they should have an edge that the Brits must overcome.

The British will have on their side the real racing experience over recent weeks. They have gone from outside threat to the fastest ship of the challenger’s fleet. Before racing started, New Zealand leader Grant Dalton said that he put both Luna Rossa and American Magic a notch above Britannia, but warned that the Brits could pull off a surprise.

That they did, delivering a nearly flawless Louis Vuitton finals series, while Luna Rossa’s chances were hurt by structural problems to their silver-hulled yacht.

The Britannia team has the financial backing of billionaire Jim Ratcliffe, who also bought into storied soccer club Manchester United this year. It has also benefitted from a partnership with the Mercedes Formula One team.

The British win over the Italians avenged a 7-1 loss to Luna Rossa in the same stage of the 2021 event in Auckland.

Only four nations have ever won the cup. After the 30 titles by American boats, New Zealand has won it three times, Switzerland twice and Australia once.