Chile wants 2030

The newly re-elected president of Chile's Football Federation (ANFP) has expressed an interest in his country bidding to host the 2030 World Cup. FIFA, football's international governing body, and several South American federations are keen to commemorate 100 years since the first-ever tournament was staged in Uruguay.

Sergio Jadue (pictured on the right above) regained his seat as president of ANFP on Monday, suggesting Chile would submit either a solo-bid or a joint campaign with neighbors Uruguay. Chile is planning to host next summer's Copa America tournament and the FIFA U-17 World Cup, as it looks to improve and bolster the country's domestic football infrastructure.

"If we succeed with the Copa and the Under-17 tournament that will give us a solid base to bid when it becomes South America's turn once again to host the World Cup," he said.

Previous experience

The Chileans have previous experience hosting the world's premier international football competition back in 1962 and will stage a scattering of promotional events over the next two years.

Jadue, the only candidate for election in ANFP, said contact had already been made with the relevant figures in FIFA and CONMEBAL, the South American football association.

Despite earlier hints that Argentina would be interested in staging the event - the second time after hosting in 1978 - their federation vice-president has since ruled out those claims.

Uruguay has said that they are not against a co-operation with Chile and that they will meet with FIFA president Sepp Blatter on November 26 for further discussions.

rd/al (Reuters, AFP, AP)