Ireland haven't had much luck when it comes to bids to host major sporting events in recent years. The country has been overlooked for Euro 2008 and the 2023 Rugby World Cup, although Dublin was selected as one of 12 host cities for Euro 2020 (something that may not now happen).
It has been mooted that Ireland could be part of a bid for the 2030 FIFA World Cup. It is expected that the FAI will throw their lot in with the four home nations to host the tournament, one which will feature 48 teams.
Nothing has been made official as of yet, but early discussions have taken place. The FAI certainly seem keen to be a part of it.
Speaking to members of the media for the first time yesterday, new FAI chief executive Jonathan Hill said that he sees Ireland being part of a joint-bid for the 2030 tournament is 'absolutely credible'.
I think it's absolutely credible. I think the decision to have a joint approach is the right decision. Because we know that the English FA has already had two attempts to host the World Cup since it last did in 1966.
So I think it needed to change the narrative slightly, and I think, incorporating the other home nations and, in particular, incorporating the FAI into the proposed approach, I think is very sensible.
I think that will fall well within both UEFA, and within UEFA federations and I think also within FIFA...
What we will have to do is if the bid moves forward is to is to put our best foot forward but I do think that the combination of first class and world class stadia actually that you have from within the within the five associations, plus obvious depth and knowledge across all five as to how to safely host matches, which is going to be a dynamic given everything that we've seen in relation to Covid.
But also the deep connection between football as a sport and all five of the associations is real and it's noteworthy."I think people understand across the world of football, how committed we are to football as a sport and I think that will play out well.
FIFA are certainly open to hosting the tournament across a number of different nations, with the 2026 edition set to be held in the USA, Canada, and Mexico.
There is certainly no shortage of top class stadia in Britain and Ireland, although it remains to be seen how many games would be held here if the bid were successful.
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