German football boss Neuendorf: Saudi Arabia 'real football nation'

German Football Federation (DFB) president Bernd Neuendorf sees Saudi Arabia, in contrast to Qatar, as a "real football nation" and doesn't share the sometimes strong criticism of the football model in the country.

"It's already clear that for the Saudis it's not only about signing expensive football starts for their top teams. To develop football, they build several football pitches, want to educate coaches and players, and develop women's football," Neuendorf was quoted by the Neue Westfälische newspaper on Wednesday.

Neuendorf recently visited Saudi Arabia with presidents of other European football associations. He said that there's great enthusiasm for football in the country.

"The euphoria and joy of many Saudi Arabian fans during the World Cup in Qatar (in 2022), especially after the victory against eventual world champions Argentina, it was impressive," Neuendorf said.

He believes, however, that Europe will remain "the number one football region in the world."

Saudi Arabia has recently invested billions into sport, especially football. The country has been widely criticized for its human rights record and for sportswashing - using sports to deflect from domestic problems.

The nation, however, is the sole candidate to host the 2034 World Cup and is set to win the bid because of football governing body FIFA's rotation policy, meaning only nations from Asia and Oceania are eligible to host the tournament in that year.

Qatar was the first Arab nation to hold a World Cup in 2022 but the build-up to the tournament was dogged by questions marks over the country's human rights record and the fact homosexuality is illegal.