By James Cox
Taoiseach Micheál Martin has spoken with Boris Johnson to offer his support on the proposition of a joint Ireland/UK bid to host the 2030 World Cup.
The proposal for the centenary year of the tournament would see Ireland, England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales host the event.
Speaking before a Cabinet meeting, Mr Martin said the Government will do what it can to “add value” to a joint bid.
Early days
He said: “It’s very exciting news, it’s very interesting. Obviously it’s very early days, but we’re very happy to cooperate with the UK and, indeed, all the football associations involved.
“Obviously the whole idea of Ireland as a location for major events is something successive governments have been pushing for.
“It’s early days, but we’ll certainly do whatever we can to add value to that proposition.
“I think sports fans would be particularly happy with that, and it’s something to look forward too.”
Tánaiste Leo Varadkar has also backed the proposal.
The Tánaiste said the bid by the Republic, England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland would be “something for us to work towards together.”
A feasibility study is currently underway and will continue before the formal bidding process begins next year.
The British prime minister first discussed the plans in an interview with Sun newspaper.
He revealed that UK chancellor Rishi Sunak would commit £2.5 million (€3.2 million) in the British budget on Wednesday to fund the bid.
“We are very, very keen to bring football home in 2030. I do think it’s the right place,” he said. “It’s the home of football, it’s the right time. It will be an absolutely wonderful thing for the country.”
? Joint Statement with @OfficialIrishFA, @FA, @FAWales and @ScottishFA on 2030 @FIFAWorldCup Feasibility Update
➡️ https://t.co/4980jqRXFO #WorldCup pic.twitter.com/OShhwes0xL
— FAIreland ⚽️?? (@FAIreland) March 1, 2021
The bid also has support in Ireland but it will face strong competition from a joint bid from Argentina and Uruguay.
The Moroccan Football Federation has also hinted at a joint bid with Spain and Portugal.
Minister for Arts, Tourism and Sport Catherine Martin said: “This is an exciting possibility, but we are still in the very early stages of assessing how and if this major global tournament could be part hosted by our nation.
“Feasibility studies will continue with our partners to assess the viability of a bid, and we look forward to further extensive engagement and collaboration as we seek to refine our hosting proposals in the coming months and years.”
