KEIR RADNEDGE REPORTS: The European and South American confederations have continued to cosy up but this strategy of mutual friendship may soon hit a roadblock when FIFA opens up for bids to host the 2030 World Cup finals.

Earlier this month the champions of Europe and South America met in the ‘Finalissima’ at Wembley with Argentina winning 3-0 against an Italian side whose players did not appear to want to be there.

However in political terms the two bodies have been lining up together against the more outlandish proposals emanating from world governing body FIFA and its president Gianni Infantino.

Most notably respective supremos Aleksander Ceferin and Alejandro Dominguez successfully halted FIFA’s bid to drive through a World Cup every two years.

This week representatives of UEFA and CONMEBOL held a four-day workshop in Nyon “to exchange experiences and knowledge .[and[ various matters related to the organisation of tournaments and the development of football.”

A UEFA statement described the workshop as targeted at “reinforcing the long-standing mutual relationship between UEFA and CONMEBOL, as well as strengthening communication and joint activities to enhance the development and excellence of football within both confederations.”

So far so good but two are heading for a parting of the ways when the 2030 World Cup bidding process is launched shortly with the host will be chosen at the Congress in 2024.

Morocco has announced yet another bid but the main battle is expected to be a joint bid duel matching Uruguay and Argentina (plus maybe Chile and Paraguay) against Spain and Portugal.

Both will chasing votes in Africa, Asia and central/north America.

It could be the end of beautiful football friendship.

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