Ireland could be part of a potential combined bid to host the 2030 World Cup.
The UK Government has given its backing to a bid involving the FAI, English, Scottish, Welsh, and Northern Irish football associations.
A joint bid from Chile, Argentina, Paraguay, and Uruguay is also expected.
The 2030 tournament marks the centenary of the first World Cup which was held in and won by Uruguay.
Spain, Portugal, and Morocco are also considering a combined bid.
Fifa will formally open the process in 2022.
On Tuesday the FAI released the following statement in conjunction with the Irish Football Association, The FA, the Football Association of Wales, and the Scottish FA:
“The football associations and government partners of the UK and Ireland are delighted that the UK government has committed to support a prospective five association bid for the 2030 FIFA World Cup. We will continue to undertake feasibility work to assess the viability of a bid before FIFA formally open the process in 2022. Staging a FIFA World Cup would provide an incredible opportunity to deliver tangible benefits for our nations. 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.”
🌍 Joint Statement with @OfficialIrishFA, @FA, @FAWales and @ScottishFA on 2030 @FIFAWorldCup Feasibility Update
➡️ https://t.co/4980jqRXFO #WorldCup pic.twitter.com/OShhwes0xL
— FAIreland ⚽️🇮🇪 (@FAIreland) March 1, 2021