Saudi Arabia to withdraw from 2030 World Cup bid

Saudi Arabia had plans to co-host alongside Greece and Egypt

The Kingdom were part of a joint-bid alongside Greece and Egypt before the latter confirmed they were no longer a part of the attempts to co-host the tournament in seven years time in April.

Greek newspaper Kathimerini are now reporting that Saudi Arabia will follow the same path as Egypt after holding discussions with Greek officials, in which they claimed that it's "the turn of Europe for hosting soccer’s prime international competition".

News of the joint-bid between the three countries emerged earlier this year following reports that Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud - the Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia - promised the Greeks that they would pay for the stadiums that would be built in the country for the tournament.

In exchange for paying a large fee, Saudi Arabia would've been allowed to host 75 per cent of all games at the 2030 World Cup.

Saudi's reported plans to scrap the bidding process come in the wake of a huge spending spree that's seen some of football's biggest stars make the move to the Middle East.

Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema and N'Golo Kanté are the three most high-profile signings so far but the Kingdom have plans to strengthen even further.

Earlier this month, the Saudi Public Investment Fund, who have a majority stake in Newcastle United, bought the four biggest clubs (Al Hilal, Al Nassr, Al Ittihad, Al Ahli) in Saudi Arabia as part of their plans to grow football in the country.

Related links:

• Premier League demanded proof Chelsea are not owned by Saudi Arabia
• Gary Neville calls for Premier League to put an instant halt on Saudi Arabia transfers
• Saudi Arabian clubs found guilty of not paying players’ wages