ASEAN eyes 2030 World Cup:p
By Channel NewsAsia's IndoChina Bureau Chief Anasuya Sanyal | Posted: 08 February 2011 1146 hrs
ASEAN flag and flags of ASEAN member countries.
BANGKOK: ASEAN is considering a making a bid to host the football World Cup in 2030.
If it becomes a reality, the World Cup, which is one of the most watched events on the planet, could galvanise the region where the sport is predominantly played.
There is no lack of enthusiasm in this region which boast some of the world's most passionate football fans.
However, if ASEAN does go ahead with a bid, it will be up against fierce competition possibly from China, India and Australia.
Singapore Foreign Minister George Yeo said: "If we decide to embark upon this journey, there will be many obstacles along the way. And there's no guarantee that we'll arrive."
Soccer's governing body, FIFA, may like the idea of bringing the tournament beyond Europe and Latin America but others are skeptical, like FIFA executive member Worawi Makudi, who is also the president of Football Association of Thailand.
"It would be difficult for ASEAN to jointly host the World Cup. It is impossible for a World Cup to be held in more than four countries. Each ASEAN nation in the proposed joint bid will have to build several new stadiums and infrastructure. Security would also be a big concern," Makudi said to the The Bangkok Post on January 18, 2011.
Fans in ASEAN countries will no doubt wonder which nations will automatically qualify to play - host nations automatically get a berth to guarantee massive interest at home.
One idea is that the winner of the ASEAN Cup in 2029 should qualify for the World Cup finals.
It could pave the way for capacity building in national teams and homegrown leagues.
ASEAN leaders will consider a formal proposal at the ASEAN Summit in Jakarta in May.
"The Football Associations have all been informally informed. There is considerable interest. And if we agree that this is something worth recommending to the leaders, we will. Once the leaders bless the project, then will give it our best shot. It's a long shot, but we'll try," said Mr Yeo.
The common event could also cement an ASEAN identity for the over 600 million people who live in the region.
By Channel NewsAsia's IndoChina Bureau Chief Anasuya Sanyal | Posted: 08 February 2011 1146 hrs
ASEAN flag and flags of ASEAN member countries.
BANGKOK: ASEAN is considering a making a bid to host the football World Cup in 2030.
If it becomes a reality, the World Cup, which is one of the most watched events on the planet, could galvanise the region where the sport is predominantly played.
There is no lack of enthusiasm in this region which boast some of the world's most passionate football fans.
However, if ASEAN does go ahead with a bid, it will be up against fierce competition possibly from China, India and Australia.
Singapore Foreign Minister George Yeo said: "If we decide to embark upon this journey, there will be many obstacles along the way. And there's no guarantee that we'll arrive."
Soccer's governing body, FIFA, may like the idea of bringing the tournament beyond Europe and Latin America but others are skeptical, like FIFA executive member Worawi Makudi, who is also the president of Football Association of Thailand.
"It would be difficult for ASEAN to jointly host the World Cup. It is impossible for a World Cup to be held in more than four countries. Each ASEAN nation in the proposed joint bid will have to build several new stadiums and infrastructure. Security would also be a big concern," Makudi said to the The Bangkok Post on January 18, 2011.
Fans in ASEAN countries will no doubt wonder which nations will automatically qualify to play - host nations automatically get a berth to guarantee massive interest at home.
One idea is that the winner of the ASEAN Cup in 2029 should qualify for the World Cup finals.
It could pave the way for capacity building in national teams and homegrown leagues.
ASEAN leaders will consider a formal proposal at the ASEAN Summit in Jakarta in May.
"The Football Associations have all been informally informed. There is considerable interest. And if we agree that this is something worth recommending to the leaders, we will. Once the leaders bless the project, then will give it our best shot. It's a long shot, but we'll try," said Mr Yeo.
The common event could also cement an ASEAN identity for the over 600 million people who live in the region.
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