Saudi Arabia is set to host World Cup 2034 after Australia chose not to bid, with Amnesty International demanding human rights commitments if they are confirmed. Earlier this month, Saudi Arabia submitted to FIFA its official intention to host the men’s event after football’s governing body restricted the process to countries from Oceania and Asia.
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Karim Benzema is to leave Real Madrid after 14 years at the club. The Ballon d’Or-winning striker, who joined the Spanish giants from Lyon in 2009, will depart on a free transfer when the season ends. Benzema, who had a year left on his contract, is set to move to Saudi Arabia after receiving a “record offer” from Al-Ittihad.
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Lionel Messi has been suspended by Paris St Germain for two weeks after an unauthorised trip for two days to Saudi Arabia. The Argentina World Cup winner is banned from playing or training with the team, and his pay will be docked during his suspension.
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37 year old free agent Cristiano Ronaldo has signed a 2.5 year deal at Saudi Arabian Club Al Nassr after his high profile departure from Manchester United following damaging comments made towards the club and manager Erik ten Hag in the build-up to the 2022 World Cup.
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Mexico defeated Saudi Arabia 2-1 but agonisingly went out of the World Cup on goal difference on a night of incredible drama in Doha. El Tri needed one more goal to progress but a 94th minute Saudi counter attack spelled disaster as they narrowly crashed out.
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