Saudi Arabia Withdraws 2035 Rugby World Cup Bid Amid PIF Funding Review
Saudi Arabia has officially abandoned its aspirations to host the 2035 Rugby World Cup, a decision driven by a strategic financial reassessment within the kingdom's Public Investment Fund. This move marks a significant shift in the nation's sports hosting ambitions, as it steps back from a high-profile international tournament bid.
Funding Priorities Shift Under Vision 2030
The Public Investment Fund is currently undergoing a value realization phase as part of Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 economic plan. This phase emphasises prioritising investments that yield tangible returns, leading to a reevaluation of various sports projects. While the fund will continue to invest in sports, the focus is now on domestic infrastructure, such as developments for the 2034 football World Cup and the new Formula One track near Riyadh, set to open next year.
Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki al-Faisal, the sports minister, had previously confirmed Saudi Arabia's interest in bidding for the tournament last year. However, the Guardian has learned that the kingdom did not submit an expression of interest to World Rugby before the October deadline and has no plans to do so. Additionally, a proposed joint Middle East bid involving Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates, promoted by Asia Rugby president Qais al-Dhalai, has also failed to materialise.
Impact of Economic and Geopolitical Factors
In an interview with Al Arabiya, PIF governor and LIV Golf chair Yasir al-Rumayyan stated that all spending projects are under review. He noted that the economic uncertainty from the war in Iran could add pressure to reposition priorities, although the decision to withdraw from the Rugby World Cup bid was made before the conflict began in late February. Rumayyan explained, It is a dynamic situation with or without war. But, of course, the war would add more pressure to reposition some priorities.
This funding shift has already affected other sports ventures, with LIV Golf being a notable casualty. The rebel tour will lose its PIF funding next year, requiring significant private investment to continue. Meanwhile, World Rugby's bidding process for the 2035 tournament remains open, with countries like Argentina, Japan, and Spain having submitted initial expressions of interest. The deadline for formal bids is October 2026, but there is no expectation that Saudi Arabia or other Gulf nations will reconsider their positions.
Regional Contrasts in Sports Hosting
Qatar presents a contrasting case in the region, with more advanced rugby interests. It has secured a deal to host the second final series of the new Nations Championship in 2028, following the first event at Twickenham this autumn. Unlike Saudi Arabia, Qatar already possesses the necessary stadiums and infrastructure for global events, though its current focus is on bidding for the 2036 Olympics.
World Rugby will examine bids and conduct site visits, identifying a preferred bidder by May 2027. A formal appointment by the World Rugby Council is scheduled for the following autumn, with an announcement timed to coincide with that year's tournament in Australia.
