LONDON:   The government has confirmed formally that it would support a joint bid to cohost the 2030 World Cup in England, Northern ireland, Scotland, Wales and the Republic of Ireland.

Prime Minister Theresa May said: “The decision on whether to bid is for the football associations to make.  If they decide to go forward, they can count on this government’s full support.”

The football associations of England and Wales released statements on Friday confirming the British Isles quintet are “in discussions about the feasibility of bidding to be the European candidate” to host the event.

The last major ‘local’ hostong was the 1996 European Championship in England alone.

In what will almost be a demonatration event Wembley will host seven games – including the final and semi-finals – of Euro 2020 with four games being staged in Scotland. The FA is also almost certain to be awarded the European Women’s Championship in 2021.

The one serious rival for 2030 will be a cohosting bid from Uruguay, Paraguay and Argentina which will lean on a historical appeal on being a centenary tournament. Morocco officials have also talked of a joint bid with either north African neighbours or with Mediterranean neighbours Spain and Portugal.

At a distance, China is favorite for 2034.

England failed with a bid for 2018, being comprehensively outplayed politically by Russia.

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