Downing Street hints at support for UK bid to host 2030 World Cup
2 min read
Downing Street has said it will support any UK bid to host the World Cup in 2030.
Speculation is mounting that the Football Association could join forces with the governing bodies of the other UK nations in an attempt to capitalise on England's unexpected success in Russia.
UEFA President Alexsander Ceferin has already said "British football deserves" to host a World Cup final, and the tournament in 12 years' time has been earmarked.
The Prime Minister's official spokesman said: "We are happy to sit down with football bodies and discuss any proposal that they might have to bid for the World Cup in 2030.
"We have a superb track record for putting on major sporting events and we have the stadiums, infrastructure and experience to deliver should the bid be successful."
His comments came a day after Labour deputy leader Tom Watson threw his weight behind a bid.
Speaking on Sky’s Sophy Ridge programme, Mr Watson said it had been "fantastic" to see the country united "after a very difficult year".
"We don’t know who is going to be in government in a few year's time. But if we are in government, I hope it is one of the first things that a Labour government does, to work with our FA to try and put a World Cup bid together," he said.
"If the Conservatives are still in government then we’d like to work with them to make sure a bid is successful."
He added: "It could bring the country together. It could bring us hope."
PoliticsHome Newsletters
PoliticsHome provides the most comprehensive coverage of UK politics anywhere on the web, offering high quality original reporting and analysis: Subscribe
