ENGLAND’S hopes of landing the 2030 World Cup have been hit with Fifa chief Gianni Infantino set to back the three-nation bid by Spain, Portugal and Morocco.
Wembley bosses are discussing the planned British Isles bid with their colleagues in Glasgow, Cardiff, Belfast and Dublin.
While a formal bid has yet to be confirmed or announced, FA chiefs are gearing up for the contest.
FA chairman Greg Clarke is expected to be confirmed as Britain’s new Fifa vice-president next month, giving him a voice on the game’s biggest stage.
Uefa President Aleksander Ceferin has also spoken warmly of the merits of a British Isles bid, felt to be the preferred choice of European chiefs.
But Infantino’s decision to fly to Marrakesh tomorrow, where he is expected to give a public endorsement of the three-nation bid, is a blow to England.
Potential World Cup 2030 bidders
England, Wales, Northern Ireland and Republic of Ireland
Morocco, Spain and Portugal
Morocco, Algeria and Tunisia
Paraguay, Uruguay and Argentina
Infantino has previously indicated he would be supportive of the proposed South American bid by Uruguay, Argentina and Paraguay, although financial concerns are undermining that plan.
Now, though, the Swiss has told aides that Ceferin’s argument that Fifa does not allow cross-confederation bids is inaccurate.
Infantino is anticipated to be ready to publicly state that Fifa statutes do not prevent the World Cup taking place in two continents simultaneously, giving the green light for the joint bid of the three nations.
Morocco had been considering a bid with North African neighbours Algeria and Tunisia.
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But the chance to link up with Spain and Portugal is seen by many as offering the Moroccans a better chance of hosting the tournament, even if the majority of the decisive games would be played in Europe.
Ceferin has made it clear he believes there should be just one European bid.
He told SunSport: “I’m not supportive of cross-confederation bids. I do not think it’s a good idea.
“I spoke to the Portuguese FA President and he said he never even discussed the possibility.
“For me, if we want to get 2030 in Europe there should be only one bid.
I don’t want Europe to be divided. I’m sure Europe will have one bid. Which that will be is too soon to say.
“But Wembley is the biggest stadium in Europe, for me the biggest in the world. “London has no problem with hotels or transportation.
“I am sure England or Britain can organise it well and safe for the fans.”