KUALA LUMPUR: Though Malaysia's name has been linked to the race for the 2034 World Cup hosting job, the FA of Malaysia (FAM) has taken itself off the field.
Earlier today, Indonesia was reported to be in discussions with Australia about a possible joint bid to host the 2034 World Cup along with Malaysia and Singapore.
FAM president Datuk Hamidin Amin said today that Malaysia will back Saudi Arabia's bid for the 2034 edition instead.
Hamidin said the majority of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) members are also in favour of Saudi Arabia.
"We (Malaysia) have never had any conversation on hosting the 2034 World Cup with anyone.
"And we also have no intention to bid to host the World Cup any time soon.
"We are backing Saudi Arabia's bid with a majority of the AFC nations.
"We believe Saudi Arabia can host a successful World Cup."
Indonesia were reported to be in talks with Australia for a possible joint 2034 World Cup bid.
Fifa has invited bids from the Asia and Oceania regions for the World Cup hosting job after naming Morocco, Spain and Portugal as joint hosts for 2030.
AFC President Sheikh Salman bin Ibrahim Al Khalifa of Bahrain said earlier: "The entire Asian football family will stand united in support of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's momentous initiative."