Economic cost: The most expensive football stadium in the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, Mane Garrincha, is used as a parking lot. — AP
AMID heavy political discussions, there was at least one moment of levity during the recent Asean Summit. The president of the International Federation of Association Football (Fifa), Gianni Infantino, presented soccer jerseys to the 10 Asean heads of state.This ceremony marked the beginning of formal cooperation between Asean and Fifa to galvanise soccer and social development in the region and hopefully will give a boost to Asean’s joint bid to host the 2034 Fifa World Cup.
Based on the Asean ministerial meeting on sports last month, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam will be the leading bidders. If Fifa allows it, it will be the first time five countries have bid to co-host the most celebrated sporting event in the world.
Already a subscriber? Log in
Save 30% OFF The Star Digital Access
Cancel anytime. Ad-free. Unlimited access with perks.
