The Football Association will support Saudi Arabia’s bid to host the 2034 World Cup and a multi-nation hosting of the 2030 World Cup, BBC Sport has learned.
The ratification process for the 2030 and 2034 hosts will be decided jointly at an online Fifa congress on Wednesday afternoon.
Saudi Arabia is the sole bidder for the 2034 event, while the 2030 World Cup is set to be awarded to unopposed co-hosts Spain, Morocco and Portugal, with early matches also being played in Uruguay, Argentina and Paraguay.
While Saudi Arabia’s hosting appears to be a formality, the FA’s support of the nation’s bid will be controversial, given the kingdom’s human rights record and discriminatory laws.
Rather than a traditional vote, it has been suggested the ratification process will be confirmed by acclamation – with federations in favour asked to show their support by applauding.
Delegates will have to vote at the same time on both bids, meaning they can either support or oppose both. There is no separate vote for the tournaments.
The FA has not officially declared its position but is expected to issue a statement explaining its stance after the congress.
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