Australasian Leisure Management
Jan 19, 2011

ASEAN countries consider FIFA World Cup bid

The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) is considering the possibility of tabling a joint bid to host the 2030 FIFA World Cup during the organisation's Foreign Ministers meeting.

According to a statement from Singapore Football Association President Zainudin Nordin on Monday, the group, which also includes Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam, considered the proposal during the gathering over the weekend.

Nordin explained "it is possible for ASEAN to jointly host the event in 20 years' time and to possibly meet the football standards then due to the aggressive football youth development programs of ASEAN member nations.

"A joint bid by ASEAN will raise the international profile of the region and will also unite citizens of the member nations."

Uruguay, which staged the first World Cup in 1930, and Argentina have already expressed an interest in bidding for the 2030 tournament.

Indonesia was in the running to stage the 2022 World Cup before a lack of government support curtailed the country's bid, but the nation did link up with Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam to host the 2007 Asian Cup.

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