Prime Minister Theresa May lends support to 2030 World Cup bid

THERESA MAY has backed moves to bring the World Cup to the UK and Ireland in 2030.
By The Newsroom
Published 28th Sep 2018, 23:26 BST
Updated 29th Sep 2018, 00:27 BST
Prime Minister Theresa May. Picture: Jack Taylor/PA WirePrime Minister Theresa May. Picture: Jack Taylor/PA Wire
Prime Minister Theresa May. Picture: Jack Taylor/PA Wire

The Prime Minister signalled she would offer Government support if the Football Association decides to move forward with an official bid.

The FAs of England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and Ireland are currently undertaking feasibility work and considering putting forward a proposal.

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Mrs May, speaking on eve of the Conservative Party conference in Birmingham, said: “Following the excitement of this Summer’s World Cup, the English FA are working together with the FAs of Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and Ireland to explore whether there could be a joint bid to host the 2030 World Cup.

France 's players after winning the World Cup Final at the Luzhniki Stadium, Moscow last year, beating Croatia 4-2. Picture: Aaron Chown/PAFrance 's players after winning the World Cup Final at the Luzhniki Stadium, Moscow last year, beating Croatia 4-2. Picture: Aaron Chown/PA
France 's players after winning the World Cup Final at the Luzhniki Stadium, Moscow last year, beating Croatia 4-2. Picture: Aaron Chown/PA

“The decision on whether to bid is, of course, for the football associations to make. But if they decide to go forward, they can count on this government’s full support.”

The news comes as Education Secretary Damian Hinds and Sports Minister Tracey Crouch announce they will lead a new cross-government action plan to improve competitive school sports.

They will convene key organisations in the sports world - including the Premier League, the FA and the RFU - to agree a new plan on how to get more kids playing competitive sport.

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London and Glasgow will host eleven games in the UEFA European Championships in 2020 with Wembley hosting the semi-finals and the final.

In the last six years the UK has successfully hosted the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games, the 2013 Rugby League World Cup, the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, the 2014 Tour De France Grand Depart and the 2015 Rugby World Cup.

Any England bid would face opposition from the joint campaign of Uruguay, Argentina and Paraguay which could be buoyed by the fact 2030 marks 100 years since the first World Cup, held in Uruguay in 1930.

It is also possible there will be an African bid, especially in light of Morocco’s defeat to the USA for the 2026 tournament.

Related topics:Theresa MayNorthern IrelandEnglandFootball AssociationIrelandScotlandWales