Saturday 29 September 2018 14:38, UK
Prime Minister Theresa May will support a bid by the UK and Ireland to host the 2030 FIFA World Cup.
The Prime Minister signalled she would offer government support if the Football Association decides to move forward with an official bid to jointly host one of the biggest sporting events in the world.
The FAs of England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and Ireland are currently considering the feasibility of hosting the tournament and whether they will put forward a proposal to determine if they bid.
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.
"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."
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.
In 2020, London and Glasgow will host 11 games in the UEFA European Championships with the semi-finals and finals at Wembley.
Any UK and Ireland 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.
Labour also welcomed the announcement, with shadow digital, culture, media and sport secretary Tom Watson pointing out it had also backed the plan in July.
The deputy party leader added: "I'm delighted that the Prime Minister has followed Labour's lead and is willing to back a bid.
"This summer's World Cup and the performance of England inspired the nation.
"In 2030, it's time for football to come home."
