Saudi Arabia are preparing a bid to host the 2030 World Cup according to reports.
In what would be another move to win a seat at the global football table, the bid is set to rival a mooted joint-one by Britain and Ireland.
According to The Times, an American consultancy company has been hired by the Saudis to create the strategy behind the bid.
The report also claims that the bid may be part of a joint one - even with a European country.
Last week the Saudi football federation asked FIFA whether it would consider hosting the World Cup every two years - that request will now be debated.
The bid to host the World Cup follows several other moves by Saudi to gain a foothold in the world of football including the Public Investment Fund's pursuit of Newcastle United, the reported bidding of Champions League TV rights and sponsorship opportunities.
It follows Saudi having a big part in Formula One, as well as boxing, having hosted the fight between Antony Joshua and Andy Ruiz - and agreeing to hold the now cancelled clash between Joshua and Tyson Fury.
