What is the impact of PIF's new strategy on LIV Golf?

LIV Golf will have its funding withdrawn next year as a consequence of PIF's insistence on prioritizing projects that can produce a return, requiring significant private investment to continue.

What are Saudi Arabia's future sports investment plans?

PIF plans to continue investing in sport but will focus on domestic projects, such as infrastructure for the 2034 FIFA World Cup and the Formula One track near Riyadh.

Home / Sports / Saudi Arabia Withdraws 2035 Rugby World Cup Bid

Saudi Arabia Withdraws 2035 Rugby World Cup Bid

Q: Why did Saudi Arabia abandon its 2035 Rugby World Cup bid?

Saudi Arabia abandoned its 2035 Rugby World Cup bid due to the Public Investment Fund's (PIF) new financial strategy, which prioritizes projects expected to generate returns.

17 Apr

•

Summary

Saudi Arabia has abandoned its 2035 Rugby World Cup hosting bid.
PIF's new financial strategy prioritizes projects with returns.
LIV Golf funding will be withdrawn next year due to PIF's new focus.

Saudi Arabia Withdraws 2035 Rugby World Cup Bid

Saudi Arabia has abandoned its aspirations to host the 2035 Rugby World Cup. This decision stems from the Public Investment Fund's (PIF) new financial strategy, which emphasizes projects demonstrating value realization.

Last year, the sports minister had confirmed Saudi's interest in bidding for the tournament. However, the kingdom has not submitted an expression of interest to World Rugby, and no such plans are anticipated before the bidding process closes in October. A potential joint bid with Qatar and the UAE has also not materialized.