Ireland could form part of a joint bid along with the United Kingdom for the 2030 World Cup.
According to The Times, the idea that Ireland could be a partner for the tournament is being considered by the FA. It's said that the FAI would be open to discussions.
Last week, UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin said that he would like to see "that part of Europe" host the World Cup.
"I’ve said many times that, after all these years, it is time for that part of Europe to get the World Cup... the only thing I will insist is that we will have only one European bid," Ceferin told Reuters.
"It would be a wise idea - the infrastructure in the UK is very good," he added when asked about a British bid.
A potential reason for Ireland's inclusion is thought to be the FAI's ability to garner votes a sole UK bid could not due to grudges owing to the separate status which England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland hold within FIFA.
The 2030 World Cup will be the second to feature 48 teams in the finals. The 2026 event which is being hosted by the USA, Canada and Mexico will be the first.
Disgraced former FIFA president Sepp Blatter already suggested Ireland as a possible host along with the UK at this summer's World Cup in Russia.
"They will be candidates, I'm sure. With 48 teams, you need more than one country, definitely," said Blatter.
Photo by Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile
