By being elected to the FIFA Council, Saudi Arabia's influence in football grows

In a paper of The Manila Times dated 2 February 2023 from The Associated Press, it is reported that on 1 February, "Saudi Arabia added to its influence in world soccer (...) winning a seat on the FIFA Council and then being confirmed as host of the 2027 Asian Cup."

 

The election victory at the Asian Football Confederation's annual meeting came on the heels of Cristiano Ronaldo's entrance in the Saudi Pro League last month and long-running speculation about a possible bid to host the World Cup in 2030 or 2034. 

Yasser Al Misehal, the head of the Saudi Arabian Football Federation (SAFF), was one of six Asian soccer figures chosen by AFC members to represent them on FIFA's governing body through 2027. The lone contender to host the Asian championship was Saudi Arabia.

Link to the paper: Saudi football influence grows by winning seat on FIFA Council.

Screenshot of the paper (accessed on 2 February 2023).