Exclusive-Saudi Arabia quietly shelving NEOM Stadium, one of 2034 World Cup venues

RIYADH/DUBAI, Oct 4 : Saudi Arabia is quietly shelving plans to build one of its most ambitious stadiums for the 2034 FIFA World Cup, two sources familiar with the matter said, after delays and downscaling of the futuristic development housing it.

The NEOM Stadium was billed as an elevated arena in a glitzy ​100-mile (160-km) steel and glass structure known as The Line, in turn part of the broader development known as NEOM.

NEOM was introduced about a decade ago as a centrepiece of de facto ruler Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's Vision 2030, an ambitious plan to diversify the economy and cut reliance on oil.

Yasir ⁠Al-Rumayyan, governor of NEOM's owner the Public Investment Fund, confirmed in April that The Line was no longer a priority, and said it was not vital before 2030, the original delivery target for its first phase. He denied any projects had been cancelled.

However, according to two sources, plans to build the NEOM Stadium have now been shelved indefinitely.

NEOM and the Saudi government media office did not reply to requests for comment, while Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Sports redirected questions to the World Cup 2034 Hosting Higher Authority.

The Authority said "substantial delivery" of construction milestones for the event was already taking place, but did not address questions around the NEOM Stadium and costs. It shared images of some of the other stadiums under construction.

RIYADH DEVELOPING 15 VENUES FOR 2034 WORLD CUP

The 2034 World Cup is seen as a marquee event for Saudi Arabia, which under the Vision 2030 programme has invested heavily in sports via wealth fund PIF. The tournament will be the first time a single nation hosts the expanded 48-team format.

Riyadh is working to build or renovate 15 venues