Disgraced former FIFA president Sepp Blatter has said that he would like to see a joint UK and Ireland bid host the 2030 World Cup.
Blatter - who is serving a six-year ban from all football-related activity - is at the World Cup in Russia as a guest of Vladimir Putin. Despite being banned during the European Championships two years ago, Michel Platini was allowed attend the tournament.
Asked by Sky Sports News if he would like to see a joint UK bid host the tournament in 12 years, the 82-year-old Blatter responded:
"I think that England or the island, deserved to organise the World Cup. They have had it in 1966 so it is a long time ago."
He then added that perhaps a bid featuring Ireland would be even better.
I spoke with one of your colleagues at the Associated Press, he said that with Wales and Scotland together [England should submit a bid].
I said, 'Why not Ireland?'
Blatter gestured that he did not mean just Northern Ireland but the whole of the island.
"They will be candidates, I'm sure. With 48 teams, you need more than one country, definitely."
You can watch Blatter being interviewed below.
WATCH: Former FIFA president Sepp Blatter told Sky Sports News that England, or a joint UK and Ireland bid, would deserve to host the 2030 World Cup. pic.twitter.com/1dKrXEtnFQ
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) June 20, 2018
