Saudi Arabia to host historic women’s international football tournament

Saudi Arabia has been awarded the honour of hosting the 2024 West Asian Football Federation (WAFF) women’s championship – the first 11-a-side women’s international football tournament to be staged on its soil.

Scheduled from February 19-29, the eighth edition of the prestigious competition will unfold in Jeddah, drawing participation from eight teams.

Saudi Arabia will be joined by formidable neighbouring contenders including Jordan, Syria, Iraq, Lebanon and Palestine, alongside two distinguished guest countries, Guam and Nepal. This event will mark a historic debut for the Saudi Arabia women’s national team in a regional championship under the auspices of WAFF.

Saudi Arabia’s fervour for hosting top-tier sporting events has gained momentum in recent years, building upon its successful hosting of the WAFF Futsal Championship in 2022 and the esteemed FIFA Club World Cup last year.

“We’re absolutely thrilled to be hosting the WAFF Women’s Championship,” commented Lamia Bahaian, vice president of the Saudi Arabian Football Federation.

“Looking ahead to what promises to be a brilliant tournament, we’re especially excited about the impact this will have in terms of inspiring women and young girls across the kingdom while supporting women’s football development nationally and regionally.”

WAFF Womens Championship 2024 :

Hosts : Saudi Arabia 🇸🇦
Dates : 19 to 28 February, 2024.

Nepal Womens Team🇳🇵has been placed in Group B of the tournament. pic.twitter.com/3F2xTclRCe

— South Asian Ball (@SouthAsianBall) February 5, 2024

Echoing this sentiment, WAFF’s general secretary Khalil Al-Salem stated, “There is no doubt that this tournament will witness high-level competition and exceptional organisation, building on the Saudi Arabian Football Federation’s successful track record in hosting football tournaments at various levels.”

In addition to its commitment to women’s soccer, Saudi Arabia is set to further solidify its position as a premier sporting destination with the upcoming ‘6 Kings Slam’ exhibition tennis competition slated for October as part of the Saudi cultural festival Riyadh Season.

This highly anticipated event will showcase the prowess of tennis luminaries such as 2024 Australian Open champion Jannik Sinner, Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, Carlos Alcaraz, Daniil Medvedev and Holger Rune.