THE FAI is to examine the possibility about joining a bid to host the 2030 World Cup.
In June, disgraced former FIFA president Sepp Blatter floated the idea that the Republic of Ireland could join England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland in applying to stage the tournament.
It was reported a fortnight ago that the English FA were keen to pursue the idea, particularly as Northern Ireland do not currently have a suitable venue to stage games.
At that stage, the FAI had not received any official approach from the neighbouring associations about coming on board.
But the Association has revealed that talks have since taken place and that it has agreed to take part in a feasibility study.
A statement read: “Following recent positive discussions amongst all parties it has been agreed that the Football Association of Ireland will join the English, Irish, Welsh and Scottish FAs in conducting a feasibility review into a potential joint bid to host the 2030 FIFA World Cup.”
The bidding process for what will be the 24th World Cup– 100 years after the first was held in Uruguay – has yet to commence.
Ireland could not host the tournament on its own, particularly when it is expanding from 32 to 48 teams.
But, with Dublin hosting Euro 2020 games, having a handful of World Cup matches a decade later would be seem doable.
Although Brexit would not help, bids featuring multiple nations with different time zones and currencies have been successful and are likely to become even more commonplace with the larger tournament.
In fact, the only confirmed bid for the tournament is from Argentina, Uruguay and Paraguay.
Morocco has signalled its intention to bid alongside a neighbouring country while Cameroon, Egypt and Spain – if Portugal join forces with them – may also enter the contest.
MOST READ IN SPORT
Because Qatar will host the 2022 tournament with Canada, Mexico and the USA getting the nod for four years later, both Asia and the CONCACAF region are debarred by FIFA rules from the race.
Despite that, it had been suggested South Korea could pitch for it, if it can get North Korea and China on board in an effort to improve relations in the area.
But, earlier this week, the two Koreas announced their intention to bid to jointly stage the 2032 Olympics which means they are unlikely to also seek the World Cup.