The Government has given its backing to a prospective bid by Ireland and the UK to host the 2030 FIFA World Cup.

A Government spokesperson said there is a commitment to support a prospective five association bid for the tournament.

The Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media will  now undertake feasibility work, together with its partners, to assess the viability of a bid.

“We look forward to further extensive engagement and collaboration as we seek to refine our hosting proposals in the coming months,” the spokesperson said.

The Government believes staging a FIFA World Cup would provide major benefits for all the nations involved.

“If a decision is made to bid for the event, we look forward to presenting our hosting proposals to FIFA and the wider global football community,” the spokesperson added.

Government Chief Whip and Minister for Sport Jack Chambers said he was delighted that the UK government has committed to support a prospective five association bid for the 2030 World Cup.

“My Department will continue feasibility work, together with partners, to assess the viability of a bid. We look forward to extensive engagement in the coming months,” he said.