MALAYSIA could be part of a joint bid from four Southeast Asia countries to host the 2034 Fifa World Cup in this region for the first time ever.
Fifa executive committee member Tengku Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah said the football governing bodies from Indonesia, Thailand and Vietnam have expressed their interest in a joint bid for the 2034 World Cup.
The former Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) president said he was unsure about Malaysia's stand on the matter but feels that there should be no problems if Malaysia become a co-host of the biggest show on Earth.
"I think there will be no problem if the four countries make a joint bid for the World Cup. It is up to FAM and the government to decide.
"Asean has an opportunity and strength to put a joint bid as it allows three or four countries to co-host the event... similarly like the United States, Canada and Mexico winning the bid as joint hosts in 2026.
“It is time for the Asean region to be given an opportunity, and it will allow the countries to improve their infrastructures and strengthen their respective national teams... there is enough time," said Tengku Abdullah during his Hari Raya open house at Istana Abdul Aziz in Kuantan today.
On a proposal to expand the World Cup to 48 teams which could provide Asean teams with a special slot without relying on the Asia quota, Tengku Abdullah said it could be raised for discussions but will have to adhere to a certain formula.
In July last year, Indonesia's football association vice-president Joko Driyono announced that the country is set to lead a consortium of Southeast Asian countries in an ambitious bid to host the 2034 World Cup.
Malaysia's then Sports Minister Khairy Jamaluddin said a feasibility study will be conducted by the Asean countries on the World Cup bid. He said Malaysia was keen to be one of the hosts.
The deadline to register a bid for the 2034 World Cup is in 2026.
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