DUBLIN: The FAI has confirmed it will join the English, Northern Irish, Welsh and Scottish football associations in conducting a feasibility review into a potential joint bid to host the finals of the 2030 FIFA World Cup writes KEIR RADNEDGE.
Last month Greg Clarke, chairman of the Football Association, said the English governing body was carrying out a feasibility study into bidding for 2030 and Ireland’s involvement would be considered as presenting added value.
A bid backed by Ireland could win votes from countries that might not usually support the UK associations, especially those who look unfavourably upon England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland because of their separate status within the world governing body.
Ireland’s involvement could also solve the problem of including Northern Ireland in a UK bid, given that Dublin could host matches at its 52,000-seater Aviva Stadium, while Belfast does not boast a suitable venue.
On the other hand, having Ireland and Britain involved would mean separate governments and currencies, although that is unlikely to raise issues for FIFA given its award of the 2026 World Cup to the United States, Mexico and Canada.
Argentina, Uruguay and Paraguay have already announced plans to jointly bid for the 2030 World Cup, while it has been reported that Morocco is exploring the possibility of joining forces with Spain and Portugal in an attempt to finally land the competition.
A bid from the home nations would have the backing of UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin who has described a joint proposal as a ‘wise idea’. Ceferin has also said he would insist on only one European bid for 2030 to save Europe becoming ‘divided’ because of the tournament.
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