Saudi Arabia’s FIFA World Cup 2034 is poised to undergo a technological revolution that promises to redefine the landscape of international football. Hammad Albalawi, the Head of the Saudi Arabia FIFA World Cup 2034 bid unit, underscored the nation’s readiness to embrace transformative change at LEAP 2025, an event which emphasizes Saudi Arabia’s commitment to the advancement of football and societal progress.
On the opening day of LEAP 2025, Albalawi engaged in a dialogue with former French international and UEFA Champions League champion Patrice Evra, where they explored the Kingdom’s ambitious plans for this landmark global tournament.
Key highlights from the discussion emphasized that LEAP 2025 is a testament to Saudi Arabia’s dedication to leveraging technology. Albalawi outlined several objectives for the World Cup, including:
- Enhancing the live viewing experience for fans
- Improving athlete performance through advanced analytical tools
- Streamlining the World Cup‘s operational processes
The session also shed light on the global impact of technology in football. Javier Tebas, President of Spain’s LaLiga—the second most-watched football league worldwide—articulated the profound influence of AI on football, both on and off the field. He acknowledged that AI is significantly altering the dynamics of sports, remarking that it is “changing the history of sport.”
Tebas revealed that as much as 85 percent of sports events currently incorporate AI technology, providing clubs, coaches, and trainers with tools to boost operational efficiency. Furthermore, he highlighted the role of AI in combating piracy and copyright infringements, calling for enhanced global cooperation among clubs, technology providers, and media platforms to safeguard the integrity of football content.
Reflecting on Saudi Arabia’s longstanding passion for football, the country has seen remarkable progress, particularly in women’s football, boasting three divisions, 20 clubs, and over 90,000 female players nationwide.
Albalawi remarked, “The World Cup is not merely an endpoint; it signifies a significant milestone in our ongoing journey. Our commitment—whether in men’s or women’s football—is to nurture partnerships and foster engagement. LEAP serves as an excellent venue for recognizing the vast opportunities present in this evolving landscape,” he added, alluding to the conference’s diverse agenda that explored innovations from digital streaming to virtual reality experiences.
Source: https://www.footboom1.com/
