Theresa May backs UK and Ireland bid to host World Cup 2030
2 min read
Theresa May has thrown her support behind a joint bid for the UK and Ireland to host the 2030 World Cup.
The football associations of England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and Ireland have drawn up plans for a joint bid to host the major sporting event.
Aahead of the Conservative Party conference in Birmingham, the Prime Minister 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 for the football associations to make.
“If they decide to go forward, they can count on this government’s full support.”
Deputy Labour leader Tom Watson congratulated the PM for “following Labour’s lead” on the matter.
He said: "Back in July I announced that a future Labour government would lend its full backing to a bid for the World Cup in 2030.
“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.”
Mr Watson previously told Sky’s Sophie Ridge it had been “fantastic” to see the country united during the 2018 World Cup “after a very difficult year”.
England crashed out of the World Cup in this year’s semi-finals following a 2-1 defeat against Croatia.
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