Britain and Ireland may abandon their bids for the 2030 World Cup, and focus on hosting the 2028 European Championships.
England failed to host the 2018 World Cup after having Prince William and David Beckham as part of their campaign team.
The UK Government included the proposal of a World Cup bid in the latest Conservative manifesto and have already committed £11million into a feasibility study on the tournament.
Boris Johnson, Prime Minister of Boris Johnson stated that after the Euro 2020 final, he still believed the UK and Ireland would host the World Cup in 2030.
However, the Times reported that there were ‘fears’ over any British or Irish bid for 2030. As a result, efforts might be diverted to the European Championships in two years.
Senior officials at various organizations in England, Scotland Wales, Northern Ireland and Ireland fear FIFA’s ambition to move the World Cup beyond their borders.
Sportsmail originally reported that in October there was doubt about the 2030 bid. It was abandoned and it was then that the plan was changed. This is now reportedly being considered again.
UEFA will increase the number to 32 teams before 2028 Euros. A report further states that the group is seeking a low-risk host’ to help them with a redesign of the format.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson said in the aftermath of the Euro 2020 final that he still hoped the UK & Ireland could host the World Cup in 2030 (pictured left: FIFA president Gianni Infantino)
According to a new report, a bid from Britain or Ireland for Euro 2028 could result in a British and Irish win
The governing bodies of European football are eager to ensure a “guarantee” for commercial success. Britain and Ireland would be likely to fit this category.
UEFA has 55 members nations. An increase in 32 teams to UEFA’s current 24 would give smaller countries more chances to qualify.
Reports reveal that discussions about a potential 2028 bid led to an idea to divide training camps between the five countries, before England was allowed to host four teams.
Crowd troubles inside and outside Wembley at Euro 2020 was expected to prevent any tournament bids, but it’s not being discussed.
This time, England has received a humiliating reply to its bid for the 2018 World Cup. (Pictured Left: David Beckham who was with Prince William and Seb Coe on the bid.
Spain’s and Portugal’s combined bid for the 2030 World Cup is thought to be favourites in Europe
FIFA had already picked London for the first ever “Finalissima” match, which will be held between Argentina and Italy. They are South American champions.
A decision about whether or not to bid for Euro 2028 must be made by March.
Talk has been rife about the possibility of a 2030 World Cup bid. Portugal and Spain are seen as the greatest threats to host.
Back in November, Julian Knight, the chair of the Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) Committee, slammed Britain’s attempts to host the 2030 FIFA World Cup as ‘utter nonsense’.
Julian Knight (left), blasted Britain’s bid to host the 2030 World Cup when he spoke with Nigel Huddleston (right), about November’s bid.
Speaking to Sports Minister Nigel Huddleston, Knight bluntly told him ‘we’re never going to win it’ and the £11m the government are spending on the bid is a waste of money.
Huddleston claimed that Knight’s pessimism was unshareable, partly because of fundamental changes in the bidding process.
“As we all remember, for the 2018 bid,” he stated. The process has been changed. “If it had, I would have shared your scepticism.
This feasibility study won’t be finished until at least April 2022.
SportmailThe Football Association was contacted over the Times report.