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Neymar Says Saudi Arabia Can Host Exceptional FIFA World Cup in 2034

Neymar toured the Saudi Arabia FIFA World Cup 2034 Bid Exhibition, held in Riyadh. Photo: The Saudi Arabian Football Federation
Neymar toured the Saudi Arabia FIFA World Cup 2034 Bid Exhibition, held in Riyadh. Photo: The Saudi Arabian Football Federation
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Neymar Says Saudi Arabia Can Host Exceptional FIFA World Cup in 2034

Neymar toured the Saudi Arabia FIFA World Cup 2034 Bid Exhibition, held in Riyadh. Photo: The Saudi Arabian Football Federation
Neymar toured the Saudi Arabia FIFA World Cup 2034 Bid Exhibition, held in Riyadh. Photo: The Saudi Arabian Football Federation

Brazilian star of Al-Hilal FC Neymar Jr. expressed his admiration for Saudi Arabia's bid to host the FIFA World Cup 2034, emphasizing that the Kingdom has the necessary infrastructure and capabilities to organize an exceptional World Cup.
His remarks came during his tour of the Saudi Arabia FIFA World Cup 2034 Bid Exhibition, held in Riyadh.
"I think the bid is one of the best projects I have ever seen in my life. It has all the potential to be the best World Cup ever," Neymar said.
He highlighted that the Kingdom’s bid for the global event has been meticulously planned to ensure the best experience for both players and fans alike.
"Everything in this bid is designed to serve football. They are thinking about the players so that there are no long flights and travel times during the World Cup. This ensures easy movement between stadiums and hotels, giving players ample time to recover between matches and perform at their best,” Neymar said.
He also expressed his admiration for the Kingdom from the moment he arrived, noting the respect and enthusiasm in Saudi society for hosting top global stars in the ROSHN Saudi League.
The Brazilian star shared his deep appreciation for the warm welcome and is optimistic that many more international players will have the opportunity to enjoy a similar experience in the future.

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The Camera Never Lies: Electronic Line Calls in Focus Again as Zverev Takes Photo of Ball Mark 

Tennis - Madrid Open - Park Manzanares, Madrid, Spain - April 27, 2025 Germany's Alexander Zverev takes a picture of the court with a phone during his round of 32 match against Spain's Alejandro Davidovich Fokina. (Reuters)
Tennis - Madrid Open - Park Manzanares, Madrid, Spain - April 27, 2025 Germany's Alexander Zverev takes a picture of the court with a phone during his round of 32 match against Spain's Alejandro Davidovich Fokina. (Reuters)
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The Camera Never Lies: Electronic Line Calls in Focus Again as Zverev Takes Photo of Ball Mark 

Tennis - Madrid Open - Park Manzanares, Madrid, Spain - April 27, 2025 Germany's Alexander Zverev takes a picture of the court with a phone during his round of 32 match against Spain's Alejandro Davidovich Fokina. (Reuters)
Tennis - Madrid Open - Park Manzanares, Madrid, Spain - April 27, 2025 Germany's Alexander Zverev takes a picture of the court with a phone during his round of 32 match against Spain's Alejandro Davidovich Fokina. (Reuters)

Alexander Zverev is convinced there was a defect in the electronic line calling system during his Madrid Open win on Sunday after the German risked a hefty fine by pulling out his phone to take a photograph of a contested call.

The top seed overcame Alejandro Davidovich Fokina 2-6 7-6(3) 7-6(0) to reach the last 16 of the claycourt tournament but was frustrated by an incident in the second set when a backhand from his opponent was called in by the tracking technology.

Zverev appealed to chair umpire Mohamed Lahyani to take a look but was rebuffed, and the world number two was then warned for unsportsmanlike conduct after pulling his phone out of his bag and taking a picture of the spot.

"I honestly think there was a defect in the system. There was a mistake in the system in that moment," said Zverev, who later posted the photo on Instagram.

"It's not like one millimeter in, one millimeter out, it was like four-five centimeters. That's why I went to the umpire and said 'Please, come down to have a look at this, I'm not crazy'."

Reuters has contacted the ATP for comment.

Earlier this month, women's world number one Aryna Sabalenka also took a photo of a disputed ball mark during a match in Stuttgart and was warned for unsportsmanlike conduct.

The ATP has adopted the line calling system for all of its tournaments from this year, and while Zverev said he was a fan of the technology he was shocked by the incident in Madrid.

"It's going to be interesting to see what happens now, what kind of fine I'll get, even though I'm right," he said.

"I hope I don't get a fine, because obviously, in my opinion, I'm completely in the right and I should not get fined for this."