Peter: SEA countries able to host World Cup

KUALA LUMPUR: Bringing the FIFA World Cup to Southeast Asia in 2034 is not an impossible dream, reckons former Asian Football Confederation (AFC) secretary-general Datuk Peter Velappan.

Peter, who has just returned from Russia after attending several matches in the on-going showpiece, said FIFA were open to having the World Cup in every part of the world.

“There’s a good possibility,” said Peter, commenting on a possible joint-bid by several Asean countries including Malaysia for the 2034 edition, at a press conference yesterday.

“It’s FIFA’s idea to popularise football by spreading the World Cup (tournaments) to the whole world, not just limiting it to some sections.

“They would be very happy to do that (for Southeast Asia to host the World Cup).

“The potential joint-bidders, must however, have 100% government support before presenting a good case through AFC.

“I strongly believe Asean are ready as we have no problem with the infrastructure. Countries such as Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Vietnam and Indonesia are also footballing nations.”

Peter is also convinced that an Asean joint-bid stands a strong chance because FIFA aim to unite nations through football.

“We have seen how the World Cup has evolved from being hosted by just a nation (Uruguay in 1930) to two (Japan and South Korea in 2002) and it’s now three (recent success bid by the United States, Mexico and Canada to co-host the 2026 edition),” said Peter, who played a pivotal role in persuading FIFA to get Korea and Japan as co-hosts when he was the AFC secretary-general from 1978-2007.

“If we can bring the World Cup here, it will unite Asean countries. Football unites people and brings joy to the people. Look at the laughter, smiles you see on television.”

Peter said they can expect stiff competition from East Asia countries if Asean make a joint-bid.

“I’ve met up with representatives from China and Japan (in Russia) and the two nations are very keen,” said Peter.

“They also discussed on the prospects of bringing the two Koreans (North and South) on board.”