Organizers behind the beauty pageant Miss Universe have refuted claims of the participation of a model from Saudi Arabia in the contest.

However, the organization said that it was undertaking a ‘vetting process’ to see if a candidate from the kingdom could be allowed to participate.

“While Saudi Arabia is not yet among those countries fully confirmed participating this year, we are currently undergoing a rigorous vetting process qualifying a potential candidate to be awarded the franchise and assigned national director to represent,” Miss Universe Organization said.

It added that a selection process had not taken place in the kingdom and any participation will have to be approved by its committee.

Saudi model Rumy al-Qahtani had recently announced that she was gearing up to represent her country in the contest.

Posting a photo of herself standing next to the Saudi flag, the model had written, “Honored to participate in Miss Universe 2024.”

Al-Qahtani has already represented Saudi Arabia in multiple pageants including Miss Arab Peace, Miss Planet and Miss Middle East.

The model has not responded to the latest statement so far.

The Miss Universe pageant will be hald in Mexico this year. It will be the 73rd edition of the pageant and will feature over 100 nations being represented.