THE biggest match in footie should be played at GAA HQ in 12 years time, a former Gaelic chief has claimed.
Sean Kelly was Association President in 2005 when Rule 42 was relaxed to permit soccer games at Croke Park.
Now he wants the 82,000 seater stadium to be in the mix for a mooted British/Irish World Cup bid.
And he reckons that, if successful, it must host the 2030 Fifa final — as it’s a better venue than London’s bigger 90,000 capacity Wembley.
Kelly, who is now a Fine Gael MEP, told the Irish Sun: “Croke Park should absolutely be part of any bid.
“We made it available for the 2023 Rugby World Cup, which we unfortunately did not get. The technical and the psychological aspects have been dealt with, there is now no barrier.
“Croke Park is as good, if not better than Wembley. The atmosphere would certainly be better, and it is closer to the city as well.”
In June, disgraced ex Fifa president Sepp Blatter floated the idea that Ireland could join England, Scotland and Wales in applying to stage the 2030 tournament.
The English FA is now conducting a feasibility study on a potential joint bid.
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There has been no formal contact with the FAI, but with Dublin hosting four Euro 2020 games, it is thought they would also be on board.
Kelly added: “For Ireland and the UK to come together for this would be a huge statement.
“Is it about distancing ourselves from sad a past, and if the GAA can contribute to that I would be delighted.”