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      70,000-seater ‘world’s best stadium’ set to have World Cup hosting rights RESTORED as work restarts after 16 years

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      VALENCIA’S Nou Mestalla Stadium is set to have its World Cup hosting rights restored after work restarted following 16 years.The skeleton of what had been dubbed “the world’s best stadium” had been lying dormant as construction work halted in 2009.Valencia’s Nou Mestalla Stadium has seen its World Cup hosting rights restoredCredit: GettyThe skeleton of the 70,000 seater ground has been dormant for 16 yearsCredit: GettyBut Rafael Louzan, President of RFEF, has now said it will be in Spain’s World Cup rosterCredit: GettyHowever, after the best part of two decades, work has finally restarted on the stunning project.The aim is to complete the 70,000-capacity stadium by the summer of 2027 after the club unveiled its sixth set of plans since the original announcement in 2006.And the president of the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF), Rafael Louzán, has now suggested the ground will be one of those to play host to World Cup football in 2030.During a trip to the stadium with FFCV and LaLiga, he said: “I said it this morning, I am just another Valencianista, Valencia is not going to miss out on hosting the World Cup. READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”I can assure you of that. We have already been working on this and I know that in the end that would be something tremendously unfair and that it is not going to happen. “I want to reassure the Valencianistas so that they know that our work is oriented in that direction so that a stadium like this can host the World Cup and host important matches. “We must remember that the Nou Mestalla is going to be the most modern stadium in Spain with a very important capacity. Valencia is going to host the 2030 World Cup.”Spain is co-hosting the tournament with Morocco and Portugal.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSWhile the final venues for the tournament have not been announced, the so-called “most modern stadium” in the country would be a big miss at such a prestigious tournament.The original plans for the ground when it was announced had seen Valencia plan to move into it in the 2009/10 season.Iconic 60-year-old stadium which has hosted huge WWE pay-per-views unrecognizable after roof collapses in heavy snowfallHowever, crippling financial troubles where it climbed up to £350million in costs saw the project – which also originally had an 80,000 capacity – paused.Last summer Valencia was stripped of its hosting rights by the RFEF as it was no longer considered a viable venue.But now there has been a stunning U-turn that will see it host the World Cup.It comes following a report from Mundo Deportivo that the number of stadiums will be reduced from 20 to between 17 and 19. More

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      Morocco to execute THREE MILLION dogs in ‘brutal street clean up’ ahead of 2030 World Cup to make cities ‘nice for fans’

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      MOROCCO could be set to slaughter three MILLION stray dogs in a brutal clean up bid before hosting the 2030 World Cup.The pooches could be wiped out from the streets to make the country’s cities look nicer to visiting football fans, it’s been claimed.Millions of stray dogs could be killed across Morocco in a brutal bid to ‘clean up the streets’ ahead of the 2030 World CupCredit: GettyThe 115,000-capacity Stade Hassan II in Casablanca, Morocco will be the biggest football stadium in the worldCredit: PopulousAnimal activist organisations claim dogs are poisoned with strychnine, a toxic chemical used as pesticide to kill small animals like birds and rodentsCredit: GettyMorocco will co-host the 2030 FIFA World Cup alongside Spain and Portugal, marking the tournament’s centennial edition. The event will feature matches across all three countries, highlighting Morocco’s first opportunity to co-host a World Cup. The country has already begun preparing its infrastructure, aiming to upgrade stadiums and transportation networks to meet FIFA standards.But it has also reportedly killed thousands of stray dogs, and it’s feared that the numbers could still ramp up as 2030 approaches.Read more on 2030 World CupThe International Animal Coalition is now shining a spotlight on the killings, dubbing it “Morocco’s ugly secret”.According to the coalition, dogs are poisoned with strychnine – a highly toxic, colourless, and bitter chemical used as a pesticide, particularly for killing small animals such as birds and rodents.The pups are also reportedly shot in the streets, the coalition says, or trapped and transported to facilities where they’re brutally slaughtered.Many are also said to die in agony after being wounded by gunmen patrolling around the clock, the Daily Mail reports.Most read in FootballDespite claims from Moroccan authorities that the brutal campaign stopped in August 2024, the coalition says the killings spiked after FIFA announced Morocco as a host nation in 2023.Saudi Arabia release new pictures of 92,000-capacity ‘germinating seed’ King Salman Stadium ahead of 2034 World CupThe Sun has contacted FIFA for more information on the allegations.With outrage mounting, activists are demanding immediate action to end the slaughter and protect Morocco’s stray dogs.Jane Goodall, a top animal rights advocate, has now written to FIFA, urging immediate action and accusing the organisation of ignoring what she describes as “a horrific act of barbarity”.In her letter to FIFA’s Secretary general Mattias Grafström, Goodall said she was appalled at reports of large-scale dog killings by Moroccan authorities, an initiative said to have ended last August.“I am equally appalled to learn from the IAWPC – International Animal Coalition that you have been presented with detailed dossiers documenting these horrific acts, most of which are conducted in the most brutal and cruel fashion imaginable, and yet appear to have ignored them,” she wrote.Morocco will co-host the 2030 FIFA World Cup alongside Spain and PortugalCredit: PopulousIt’s been claimed that the North African country wants to make its cities look nicer to visiting football fansCredit: https://www.cruzyortiz.com/Goodall also raised concerns about how global football fans might respond to such cruelty.She wrote: “You must surely be aware of how football fans around the world – many of whom are also animal lovers – will react when they learn of this?”The activist went on to warn of the potential damage to FIFA’s reputation, saying:  “Moreover, it will place FIFA itself under the spotlight once again.”I know you have been working hard to rehabilitate FIFA’s reputation following recent scandals. “If you fail to act, however, FIFA will be known for its complicity in an horrific act of barbarity – on your watch.”Goodall called for decisive measures, urging FIFA to ensure an end to the killings and consider suspending Morocco’s hosting of the tournament if the practice continues.She explained: “There are many humane alternatives to controlling street dog populations, and a number of reputable international organisations who are happy to assist the Moroccan authorities in implementing such programmes.”READ MORE SUN STORIES“There is simply no excuse for the awful campaign of cruelty that is being executed in football’s name.”I call on you to use your position as FIFA Secretary General to bring it to an immediate end, and to earn the respect and gratitude of the football-loving public everywhere for doing so,” she concluded. Morroco’s World Cup plansby Juliana Cruz Lima, Foreign News ReporterMOROCCO is gearing up to co-host the 2030 FIFA World Cup alongside Spain and Portugal, with ambitious plans to leave a lasting mark on the tournament.At the heart of these efforts is the Grand Stade Hassan II, a proposed 115,000-seat stadium near Casablanca, inspired by the traditional Maghrebi communal tent, or moussem.Dubbed “a Noah’s Ark for nature and animals,” the stadium aims to rival global landmarks like Beijing’s Bird’s Nest and Qatar’s cutting-edge arenas.The project, part of a $5 billion World Cup investment, includes upgrades to five existing stadiums and a $490 million allocation for the Grand Stade Hassan II. This monumental effort follows Morocco’s historic run to the semifinals in 2022, reigniting the kingdom’s dream of football glory. Officials hope the tournament will boost the economy, create jobs, and solidify Morocco’s reputation as a modern and influential leader in the region.But the plans are not without controversy. Critics point to potential concerns about labour conditions for migrant workers and Morocco’s occupation of Western Sahara, which has sparked tensions with neighboring Algeria, The Guardian reports.Despite these issues, the excitement among Morocco’s football-loving public remains high, with hopes of hosting the World Cup final in their iconic new “ark.” More

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      It may be too late for protesters concerned about World Cup 2034 in Saudi thanks to Fifa ‘emperor’ Gianni Infantino

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      THE magical effect of Gulf State money has transformed the Premier League.It will take a while to discover whether these riches will continue.Gianni Infantino operates like an emperor in footballCredit: EPANeither of the two clubs which have hugely benefited, Manchester City and Newcastle, are blowing our socks off so far this season.Pep Guardiola’s City, it is fair to say, have disappointed their fans so far — but not for long, I am sure.Toon lie close to City in mid-table which must be no more than acceptable to Eddie Howe, his players and the masses on the Tyne.There is further heat for the pair over whether any football club should be financed by a state.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLA Parliamentary Bill is in the pipeline.At a debate I attended at the House of Lords last week, Lord Scriven made his view clear: “There is a specific issue with the Gulf states.“If people are potentially put to death for being gay in a state, would that debar a state entity or an individual in that government from owning an English club? It is a clear question.”One which like so many others, was not answered. Apparently, a letter answering the question will be put in the “library”.Most read in FootballI hope it doesn’t have to wait as long to get his letter as it has taken the Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy to reply to the Prem clubs she invited in to discuss the Bill.We’ve been waiting five months and counting…Fans baffled as Donald Trump sends bizarre video message to pal ‘Jonny’ Infantino before Fifa Club World Cup drawSimilar funding will be responsible for the 2034 Saudi World Cup, having dodged inspection by the 211 national federations. Or anyone else bar the press and campaigners.Critics point out that hundreds, possibly thousands, of workers died building stadiums for the 2022 World Cup in fellow oil state Qatar.The deaths were barely reported at the time.It may be too late for protestors concerned at this return to a Middle East autocracy because Fifa president Gianni Infantino wrapped up the process before they could make a full case.Infantino bizarrely said he felt “gay, African and disabled” before Qatar and also told women to “pick the right battles”, so he was hardly going to think about the treatment of the fairer sex when awarding the World Cup.Amnesty International reports women “continue to face discrimination in law, inheritance, marriage, divorce and child custody”.But women have been battling for decades against this sort of nonsense, so we won’t be relying on Infantino to fight any corners for us.I’m sure neither City nor Newcastle regard Fifa’s practices as their affair.The Prem already have strict rules about spending on transfers and soon new directives will cover what can be spent on players’ wages.Ownership is, rightly, open to investment from companies all over the world.Nearly half of top-flight teams are ultimately controlled by American investors, as well as by Chinese, Pakistan, Thai, Greek and even English!All of these owners are multi-millionaires and have boardrooms.The oil states have only Arab royalty.Infantino’s behaviour is open to question.Clearly, he likes to operate as an emperor, altering the fixture list in open warfare with Uefa.His Club World Cup intrudes on the close season and relegates the Champions League to a runner-up in importance.Plus, any possibility of an open competition for the 2034 enlarged World Cup has been shut tight.Infantino, a lawyer by trade, knows just how to get his own way and pay.When he was elected Fifa president unopposed in 2023, his annual salary with bonuses was raised by 33 per cent to more than £5million a year.And, as a Swiss-Italian, he now lives in Florida and pays no taxes there.Although some countries, notably Germany, asked questions, he will remain president until 2027 when he is likely to stand again for a further four years.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe new Club World Cup will take place in 11 stadiums for a month next summer in the US.Chelsea and City are our entrants on the basis of Champions League success. Good luck to them. And readers for the coming year. More

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      Netflix to stream Women’s World Cup in 2027 and 2031 as Fifa release details of ‘historic’ deal

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      NETFLIX has agreed a historic deal to broadcast the next Women’s World Cup in the United States.The global streaming giant has also been granted the rights to the 2031 tournament.Netflix has secured the rights for the 2027 and 2031 Women’s World CupsCredit: GettyEngland narrowly missed out on the title in 2023Credit: PAAn official statement from FIFA read: “The historic deal will provide US-based fans with unparalleled access to every match live and to immersive coverage, including star-studded studio shows in what is set to be an unprecedented celebration of the women’s game.”Major tournaments such as the World Cup are traditionally broadcast on free-to-air public networks in order to maximise audience reach.However, FIFA president Gianni Infantino previously criticised broadcasters – especially in Europe – for undervaluing the right to broadcast the 2023 Women’s World Cup.On Friday, Infantino said: “This agreement sends a strong message about the real value of the FIFA Women’s World Cup and the global women’s game.”Read More in FootballFIFA will likely use the Netflix deal to drive talks with European broadcasters.ITV and the BBC have shared the rights to the tournament in recent years.Meanwhile, FOX broadcast the World Cup across the US last year.The 2027 tournament will take place in Brazil from June to July and is set to involve 32 teams.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSSpain are the reigning champions, having defeated England in the 2023 final.Netflix dipped into live sports last month by showcasing the blockbuster boxing bout between YouTuber Jake Paul and heavyweight legend Mike Tyson at the AT&T Stadium in Texas.BREAKING: England fans spot Lucy Bronze’s ‘top tier s***housery’ before Spain miss penalty in Women’s World Cup finalThe streaming service is also set to broadcast live NFL games on Christmas day. More

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      Fuming Ukrainian FA blast Fifa over ‘unacceptable error’ during World Cup 2026 qualifying draw

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      THE Ukrainian FA sent a furious letter to Fifa and Uefa complaining about an “unacceptable error” during the World Cup qualifying draw. Ukraine learnt who they will face to try and book their spot at the 2026 tournament in North America. Ukraine hit out at Fifa and Uefa following an ‘unacceptable error’Credit: ReutersThe World Cup qualifying draw map excluded Crimea from UkraineCredit: X @KarpatyLvivFCHowever, the country was left apoplectic following a map graphic depicting countries which could not cross borders to face each other – such as Ukraine and Belarus, Spain and Gibraltar and Kosovo versus either Bosnia and Herzegovina or Serbia.On it, though, the shaded Ukrainian region excluded the territory of Crimea.The peninsula in the Black Sea – officially the Autonomous Republic of Crimea – is classed as an administrative division of Ukraine after previously being annexed by Russia in 2014.Russia occupy the territory and have several military air bases stationed there during the war between the two nations, which has now claimed the lives or injured a million people since Vladimir Putin ordered the illegal invasion in February 2022. READ MORE IN FOOTBALLUkraine, though, continue to view the region as part of their country so they were understandably indignant following Friday’s draw.And the Ukrainian Association of Football wrote to Fifa Secretary General Matthias Grafstrom and Uefa Secretary General Theodore Theodoridis to express their anger. The raging letter said: “We are writing to express our deep concern regarding the infographic map of Europe shown during the TV broadcast of the European Qualifiers draw for the Fifa World Cup 2026 on December 13, 2024. “The map, which indicated the countries unable to cross borders, highlighted the territory of Ukraine without the Autonomous Republic of Crimea.Most read in Football”Considering several official decisions and resolutions passed by the Fifa Council and the Uefa Executive Committee since 2014, which addressed the territorial integrity of Ukraine and the protection of football stakeholders in our country from the aggressive policies of the Russian terrorist state, including regarding the Autonomous Republic of Crimea, we emphasise that the version of the map presented by Fifa during the global broadcast to a multi-million audience is unacceptable. “It appears as an inconsistent stance by Fifa and Uefa on this crucial issue, especially in light of the ongoing destructive invasion initiated by Russia against Ukraine in the 21st century, in the heart of Europe.”Russia’s invasion of Ukraine timelineVLADIMIR Putin waged a murderous invasion ok his neighbouring country in 2022, following years of heated Russo-Ukranian tensions.24 February 2022: Russia launches a full-scale invasion of Ukraine with an invasion of the eastern territory of Donbas. Explosions were also reported in Kyiv, Kharkiv, and Odesa25 February 2022: Ukraine’s president Volodymyr Zelensky and his team posted a video following rumours they had fled the country.16 March 2022: Russia blitzed Mariupol’s Drama Theater where around 1,300 civilians were sheltering.1 September 2022: Russian forces flee the eastern Kharkiv region following a strong Ukrainian counteroffensive.21 September 2022: Putin announced a controversial partial mobilization to draft soldiers, the country’s first since World War Two.12 November 2022: The city of Kherson, in the south of Ukraine, was liberated after an eight-month occupation.21 December 2022: Zelensky travels to Washington D.C. to meet President Joe Biden and address Congress.25 January 2023: Germany approves sending tanks to Ukraine20 February 2023: US President Joe Biden makes a surprise visit to Kyiv for the first time since the invasion began.23 June 2023: Russian mercenaries stage a mutiny attempt with the paramilitary organization Wagner.24 June 2023: The shortlived Wagner Group march to Moscow and the coup attempt ends.27 August 2023: Wagner leader Yevgeny Prigozhin was confirmed dead in a plane crash.8 February 2024: Zelensky replaces his top army leader Gen. Valerii Zaluzhnyi.20 April 2024: US House of Representatives approves a huge foreign aid package for Ukraine.6 August 2024: Ukrainian forces launched a surprise incursion into Russia’s western Kursk region.19 November 2024: Ukraine fires several long-range US-supplied missiles into Russia for the first time.21 November 2024: Putin’s forces fire new ballistic missiles into Ukraine for the first time.SunSport has contacted Fifa for comment.  Ukraine were pitted in Group D alongside Iceland, Azerbaijan and the winners of the two-legged France vs Croatia Nations League quarter-final.Thomas Tuchel’s England, meanwhile, got Serbia, Albania, Latvia and Andorra in a five-team Group K. World Cup qualifying draw in fullGroup A: Winner GER/ITA, Slovakia, Northern Ireland, LuxembourgGroup B: Switzerland, Sweden, Slovenia, KosovoGroup C: Loser POR/DEN, Greece, Scotland, BelarusGroup D: Winner FRA/CRO, Ukraine, Iceland, AzerbaijanGroup E: Winner SPA/NED, Turkey, Georgia, BulgariaGroup F: Winner POR/DEN, Hungary, Ireland, ArmeniaGroup G: Loser SPA/NED, Poland, Finland, Lithuania, MaltaGroup H: Austria, Romania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Cyprus, San MarinoGroup I: Loser GER/ITA, Norway, Israel, Estonia, MoldovaGroup J: Belgium, Wales, North Macedonia, Kazakhstan, LiechensteinGroup K: England, Serbia, Albania, Latvia, AndorraGroup L: Loser FRA/CRO, Czechia, Montenegro, Faroe Islands, Gibraltar More

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      When is the World Cup 2030 and where is it being held? Plus info on the 2034 edition

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      EVERY football player dreams of lifting the World Cup – and the details for the 2030 edition have been confirmed earlier than expected!For the first time, three countries from two different continents are set to be the main hosts of the iconic competition.This will be the 100th FIFA World Cup anniversaryCredit: EPAAnd there will be a special celebration to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the FIFA World Cup which will be held on a DIFFERENT part of the planet.Qualifying for the 2030 World Cup doesn’t get underway until after the conclusion of the upcoming 2026 edition.But SunSport can reveal all the details on the history-making event SIX years in advance.When is the World Cup 2030?The opening match of the World Cup 2030 will take place on Thursday, June 13.Read more on World CupAnd the final showdown of the iconic competition is penciled in for Sunday, July 21.There will be 48 teams from six confederations battling it out to lift the prestigious trophy.And 20 different venues across 20 different cities is where matches will be played.Where is the World Cup 2030 being held?The World Cup 2030 will be held across three countries – Spain, Portugal and Morocco.Most read in FootballThis means it will be the first-ever World Cup to be held in North Africa with Morocco being one of the hosting countries.However, to commemorate the 100th anniversary, the first match of the competition is scheduled to be played at the Estadio Centenario in Montevideo, Uruguay – where the first World Cup was held.In addition to that, fans will witness a special centenary celebration to mark the occasion.Argentina has been selected to host the second match while Paraguay will host the third and then the rest of the games are set to be played in Spain, Morocco and Portugal. What has been said?The World Cup 2030 has already been met with backlash from fans, football officials and environmental groups.There are concerns about a huge increase in carbon footprint due to fans having to travel large distances between South America and Europe.Furthermore, players part of teams that get drawn with Argentina, Paraguay or Uruguay will have a significantly shorter amount of rest once having to travel back to the main hosts in Iberia and Morocco.Former FIFA President Sepp Blatter warned that the number of hosts that the World Cup 2030 is preparing to have would cause the tournament to ‘lose its identity’.Where is the World Cup 2034 being held?SunSport’s Martin Lipton has confirmed that FIFA memberships agreed – in a joint decision approved “by acclamation” that Saudi Arabia will host the 2034 tournament.READ MORE SUN STORIESPresident Gianni Infantino cut a deal with South American chiefs to open the way for the Saudis.Since then, FIFA has gone through a formal “evaluation” process of the two bids – which both passed with flying colours. More

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      World Cup 2034 announcement hit by embarrassing technical blunder as Fifa feed cuts out during Saudi celebrations

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      SAUDI ARABIA’S big World Cup moment was blacked out by a technical fault in a stunning Fifa farce.The world body’s 211 member association voted “by acclamation” to hand Morocco, Spain and Portugal the right to host the 2030 tournament, although the first three matches will be played in Argentina, Uruguay and Paraguay.Saudi Arabia’s World Cup moment was blacked out by a technical faultCredit: AFPFifa handed Morocco, Spain and Portugal the right to host the 2030 World CupCredit: EPAFifa then confirmed Saudi Arabia as the 2034 World Cup hostsCredit: EPAFifa’s feed cut out during Saudi celebrationsCredit: ReutersIn an unprecedented joint “vote” at the “virtual Congress” run from Zurich, delegates were displayed on a video wall as they applauded to confirm the 2034 event will take place in the desert Kingdom.But the two-hour Congress was overshadowed  by technical issues from the outset, with a delayed start and problems with the sound on the video link to the Paraguayan capital Asuncion.And when Fifa President Gianni Infantino handed over to the Saudi capital Riyadh for the “great scenes of celebration” the screens on the official Fifa feed went black.Despite the vote result having been pre-ordained and in a statement laced with unintended irony, Infantino had opened proceedings by declaring “the essence of football is its unpredictability”.Read More on FootballBut after Saudi sports minister Abdulaziz bin Turki al Saud had declared “a proud day” for his nation and promised “an extraordinary version of the World Cup”, Infantino then appeared to fire a potential warning shot across the Saudi bows.The Fifa chief said: “The World Cup is a unique catalyst for positive social change and unity.“We are inclusive and non-discriminatory and want to obtain a positive social impact, to bring true and lasting change.“The world will be watching and we are positive that the unique spotlight of a World Cup will be on what can and should improve in terms of social improvement and positive human rights impacts, the responsibilities of hosting the World Cup.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSDuring the Congress, delegates were unable to make any comments about either award.But the Norwegian FA did “raise its concerns” that the process “does not fully align with the principles and objectives” of Fifa with specific regard to human rights and social responsibility, while the Swiss FA also wrote a letter questioning the procedure.Inside futuristic three-sided stadium built on a cliff and covered with LED screens that could host 2034 World Cup gamesLike the other major associations, the FA applauded in favour of both “technically strong” bids.A Wembley spokesperson added: “The FA Board met the Saudi Arabian Football Federation last month to discuss their bid in more detail.“We asked them to commit to ensuring all fans would be safe and welcome in Saudi Arabia in 2034 – including LGBTQ+ fans.“They assured us that they are fully committed to providing a safe and welcome environment for all fans.“Hosting World Cups can be a catalyst for positive change and we will work with Fifa and Uefa to ensure that commitments to respect all human rights are delivered.” More

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      Hosts of two World Cups confirmed – 2030 across three continents and 2034 in Saudi’s £2.5TRILLION desert dream

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      FIFA has finally confirmed the worst-kept secret in football – as the hosts of the next two World Cups were announced.After a “virtual Congress” of the 211 member national associations, Zurich chiefs announced the 2030 event will be primarily staged in Spain, Portugal and Morocco.Gianni Infantino confirmed the hosts for the 2030 and 2034 World CupsCredit: PALionel Messi’s Argentina won the first winter World Cup in Qatar in 2022Credit: PAThe 115,000-capacity Stade Hassan II in Casablanca, Morocco will be the biggest football stadium in the worldCredit: PopulousThe 2034 World Cup will be staged in Saudi ArabiaCredit: www.dezeen.comSome of the designs for the stadia are utterly crazy and groundbreakingCredit: www.dezeen.comBut to mark the Centenary of the first World Cup, held in Uruguay in 1930, the first three games of the 2030 tournament will all be held in South America – in Uruguay, Argentina and Paraguay.And the Fifa membership also agreed – in a joint decision approved “by acclamation” – that Saudi Arabia would host the 2034 tournament as part of the Gulf state’s £2.5TRILLION ($3.2trillion) mega project. Both host decisions had been signposted 14 months ago after Fifa President Gianni Infantino cut a deal with South American chiefs to open the way for the Saudis.Since then, Fifa have gone through a formal “evaluation” process of the two bids – which both unsurprisingly passed with flying colours.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut Infantino left no room for any criticism as he ensured there was no way for nations to raise issues such as human rights in Saudi without voting against BOTH bids.While the FA meekly fell in line with Fifa – with Wembley chiefs mulling a 2029 Women’s World Cup bid and unwilling to damage the chances of that succeeding – the Norwegian and Danish FAs did both register their frustration at the mechanism.Norwegian FA President Lise Klaveness made it clear she would abstain rather than vote in favour.Denmark did support the decision but stated it “expects Fifa to follow up on demands for human rights, freedom of expression and equal access to World Cup matches”.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSMeanwhile, the Swiss FA’s support came alongside a demand for Fifa to establish “independent bodies to guarantee human rights and transparency” in the Gulf state.Spain has proposed 11 stadia in nine cities, with six cities put forward by Morocco and Lisbon and Porto in Portugal.Inside futuristic three-sided stadium built on a cliff and covered with LED screens that could host 2034 World Cup gamesOne of the Moroccan venues would be the record-breaking Hassan II Stadium in Casablanca, set to be built by 2028 with a staggering capacity of 115,000 – making it the biggest football ground in the world. However, the epic new stadium may not even get to host the final – with Real Madrid’s renovated Santiago Bernabeu or the updated home of Barcelona, the Nou Camp, both keen. Speaking of futuristic purpose-built new grounds, the Saudi bid foresees 15 venues across five cities, Riyadh, Jeddah, Abha, Khobar and Neom – a city which is still in construction and is not due to be completed until five years AFTER the World Cup.The various stadium plans include artificial canyons, crystal-like shards and a 45,000-seater venue built into a cliff.Morocco, Spain and Portugal saw their bid be successfulCredit: FifaSaudi Arabia got the 2034 hosting rightsCredit: FifaBut the most ambitious of all will be the Neom Stadium, with the pitch 350m above the ground as part of the bonkers 110-mile-long The Line sideways skyscraper. However, the King Salman Stadium with a capacity of 92,000 is set to be the grandest venue of all and host the opening match and final.The state-of-the-art arena will include a royal box, 120 hospitality suites and 300 VIP seats – as well as VVIP areas – plus a shopping centre. As in Qatar in 2022, it is almost certain to be a winter tournament – causing even more disruption to the traditional European club season – but likely to take place in January 2024 rather than the November-December window of the first Arab World Cup.READ MORE SUN STORIESAnd that will undoubtedly spark a backlash from Europe’s top leagues – who could go seven weeks without club football – with Prem chief executive Richard Masters likely to be among those fighting the unwanted schedule. The January 2034 timeline would help to avoid the Islamic Holy month of Ramadan in November and December at the end of the year. The newly-renovated Bernabeu will play a key role in the 2030 tournamentCredit: GettyThe futuristic design in Morocco may not even host the finalCredit: PopulousThe Neom stadium has been dubbed the ‘most unique stadium in the world’Credit: www.dezeen.comThe King Abdullah Sports City Stadium will be renovated to increase seating capacityCredit: www.dezeen.comPrince Mohammed bin Salman Stadium will see a 45,000-seater stadium built into a cliff edge in RiyadhCredit: www.dezeen.comThe Jeddah Central Development Stadium will be entirely surrounded by buildingsCredit: www.dezeen.comKing Salman International Stadium will be the country’s largest stadium when it completesCredit: www.dezeen.comThe King Abdullah Economic City Stadium will have a drum-shaped design to host 45,000 footie fansCredit: www.dezeen.comPrince Faisal bin Fahd Sports City Stadium will be built from locally-sourced materialsCredit: www.dezeen.comThe Qiddiya Coast Stadium plans to become the most colourful stadium of the lotCredit: www.dezeen.comThe King Khalid University Stadium can boast a spectacular show of lightsCredit: www.dezeen.comThe King Saud University Stadium will be renovated for the 2034 World CupCredit: www.dezeen.comThe Aramco Stadium is set to have a whirlpool-shaped designCredit: www.dezeen.comKing Fahd Sports City Stadium will be revamped to increase the capacity from 58,000 to 70,000Credit: www.dezeen.comThe South Riyadh Stadium will be an amalgamation of modern design and rich historyCredit: www.dezeen.com More