MONTEVIDEO: Uruguay’s President Tabare Vazquez, in a follow-up to talks last week with Argentinian opposite number Mauricio Macri, has announced the launch of a joint commission to prepare a bid for the 2030 centenary World Cup.

Vazquez told his cabinet: “It is a natural right because the most important international competition was born in our country.”

Uruguay hosted the inaugural World Cup in 1930, defeating southern neighbours Argentina 4-2 in the final in the Estadio Centenario in Montevideo.

Vazquez added: “There are people, with the best intentions, who believe it is impossible for Uruguay and Argentina to have a World Cup. But can think as Uruguayans what was done in 1930 to organise the original World Cup during our winter.”

The two presidents agreed last month to create the commission which will be responsible for registering a formal bid with world governing body FIFA, whenever the latter decides to open up the bidding process.

FIFA president Gianni Infantino offered encouragement last month by indicating that the governing body was no longer opposed to co-hosting. Uncertainty remains over how many teams will take part in the finals by 2030.

##############