Illustrative image. (Photo: Reuters)Bangkok (VNA) – TheFootball Association of Thailand (FAT) has discussed with theThai Ministry of Foreign Affairs the potential joint bid byASEAN nations to host the 2023 FIFA World Cup, according to local media.
FAT President SomyotPoompunmuang met with a group of top Foreign Ministry officials on July 26.They discussed the bidding procedure, starting with gaining the support of theAsian Football Confederation (AFC) and its members.
This will be followed by the submission of relevant documents to the InternationalFederation of Football Associations (FIFA), particularly letters of declaration from allASEAN governments confirming their support for the bid.
A strategic plan for hosting theWorld Cup is also required, along with the human rights and labour policies ofthe host countries and other facilities concerning safety and transportation forvisitors in the host cities. TheFIFA also requires some assurances on the financial stability of the hostcountries.
ASEANleaders agreed to jointly bid to host the 2034 World Cup during the 34th ASEANSummit in Bangkok on June 22-23.
The idea was initiated by Thailandthat initially suggested that the country and Indonesia would try to enter abid for the 2034 football tournament.
The FAT president hassubmitted the details regarding the bidding process to government officials.
According to Somyot, it is impossible for all the 10 ASEAN member countries to jointly host the World Cup. “There may be two orthree,” he said.
It is still unclear how many countries would join the bid.
The2002 edition is the only World Cup to have been hosted by more than one nation so far. The United States, Canada and Mexico willjointly stage the 2026 tournament. –VNA
VNA
